Mesoporous Polydopamine-Encapsulated Fluorescent Nanodiamonds: A Versatile Platform for Biomedical Applications

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are versatile nanomaterials with promising properties. However, efficient functionalization of FNDs for biomedical applications remains challenging. In this study, we demonstrate mesoporous polydopamine (mPDA) encapsulation of FNDs. The mPDA shell is generated by sequential formation of micelles via self-assembly of Pluronic F127 (F127) with 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene (TMB) and composite micelles via oxidation and self-polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride (DA). The surface of the mPDA shell can be readily functionalized with thiol-terminated methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG-SH), hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG), and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). The PEGylated FND@mPDA particles are efficiently taken up by, and employed as a fluorescent imaging probe for, HeLa cells. HPG-functionalized FND@mPDA is conjugated with an amino-terminated oligonucleotide to detect microRNA via hybridization. Finally, the increased surface area of the mPDA shell permits efficient loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride. Further modification with TPGS increases drug delivery efficiency, resulting in high toxicity to cancer cells.