Blebbistatin-enhanced toxicity of quantum dots

Metal nanoparticles, so called quantum dots, have attracted a widespread attention due to their unique characteristics (high quantum yield, exceptional photostability, tunable and narrow emission spectrum). One of the most promising and potential applicat ion of quantum dots is an application of aforementioned nanoparticles as special substances (named sensitizers) in cancer treating technologies such as photodynamic therapy or radiotherapy. As it is known the photodynamic therapy, that uses light sources of radiation (different types of fluorescent lamps, lasers, LEDs), is intended for treatment of tumors or lesions on the skin. The radiotherapy (X-ray and gamma-radiation) is usually applied for deeply localized tumors. Despite all advantages of an ioniz ing radiation, the question about reduction of side effects caused by ionization radiation therapy remains opened. It is proposed to investigate in this project some substances that can enhance efficiency by applying quantum dots as photosensitizers or ra diosensitizers towards to cancerous cell lines and as a result to minimize side effects of ionizing radiation. To increase efficiency of such photosensitizion and radiosensitization we propose combined use of chemotaxis inhibitor blebbistatin (inhibitor o f nonmuscle myosin IIa).