A fluorescence off–on reporter for real time monitoring of gemcitabine delivery to the cancer cells

Abstract

We present the design, synthesis, optical properties and in vitro biological assessments of the theranostic prodrug in which a near IR fluorophore is conjugated with a cancer cell-directing biotin unit; further it is linked with the anti-cancer drug gemcitabine via a self-immolative spacer, a disulfide bond. The prodrug is able to monitor drug delivery and cellular imaging.