Biofunctional quantum dots as fluorescence probe for cell-specific targeting

authored by
Didem Ag, Rebecca Bongartz, Leyla Eral Dogan, Muharrem Seleci, Johanna G. Walter, Dilek Odaci Demirkol, Frank Stahl, Serdar Ozcelik, Suna Timur, Thomas Scheper
Abstract

We describe here the synthesis, characterization, bioconjugation, and application of water-soluble thioglycolic acid TGA-capped CdTe/CdS quantum dots (TGA-QDs) for targeted cellular imaging. Anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) antibodies were conjugated to TGA-QDs to target HER2-overexpressing cancer cells. TGA-QDs and TGA-QDs/anti-HER2 bioconjugates were characterized by fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), hydrodynamic sizing, electron microscopy, and gel electrophoresis. TGA-QDs and TGA-QDs/anti-HER2 were incubated with cells to examine cytotoxicity, targeting efficiency, and cellular localization. The cytotoxicity of particles was measured using an MTT assay and the no observable adverse effect concentration (NOAEC), 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50), and total lethal concentration (TLC) were calculated. To evaluate localization and targeting efficiency of TGA-QDs with or without antibodies, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were performed. Our results indicate that antibody-conjugated TGA-QDs are well-suited for targeted cellular imaging studies.

Organisation(s)
Institute of Technical Chemistry
External Organisation(s)
Ege University
İzmir Institute of Technology
Type
Article
Journal
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces
Volume
114
Pages
96-103
No. of pages
8
ISSN
0927-7765
Publication date
04.10.2013
Publication status
Published
Peer reviewed
Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Biotechnology, Surfaces and Interfaces, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2013.09.033 (Access: Open)