Preparation and cell imaging of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot conjugated indomethacin

The nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot conjugated indomethacin (N-GQD-IDM) was synthesized by an amide reaction. The results of FTIR indicated that the synthesis of N-GQD-IDM was successful. It was then co-cultured with MCF-7 cells, and obvious fluorescence was observed under a laser confocal scanning microscope. With the increase of incubation time, the material accumulated significantly in the cells and the fluorescence intensity of the cells was slightly improved. This compound could be suggested as a promising fluorescent probe in cancer cell labeling.