Interplay of multivalency and optical properties of quantum dots: implications for sensing and actuation in living cells

Guillermo Menéndez; María Julia Roberti; Valeria Sigot; María Etchehon; Thomas M. Jovin; Elizabeth A. Jares-Erijman

doi:10.1117/12.816896

3 March 2009 Interplay of multivalency and optical properties of quantum dots: implications for sensing and actuation in living cells

Guillermo Menéndez, María Julia Roberti, Valeria Sigot, María Etchehon, Thomas M. Jovin, Elizabeth A. Jares-Erijman

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7189, Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications IV; 71890P (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816896
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2009, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are unique probes due to their special properties (brightness, photostability, narrowband emission and broadband absorption), and excellent bio(chemical)compatibility for imaging structures and functions of living cells. When functionalized with ligands, they enable the recognition of specific targets and the tracking of dynamic processes for extended periods of time, detecting biomolecules with a sensitivity extending to the single molecule level. Thus, devices and probes based on such nanoparticles are very powerful tools for studying essential processes underlying the functions and regulation of living cells. Here we present nanosensors and nanoactuators based on QDs in which the multivalency of these particles plays an essential role in the functionality and sensing characteristics of the nanodevices. Two examples are discussed, the first being pH nanosensors based on the interplay of the multivalency and energy transfer between the nanoparticles and small molecules on their surface, and the second nanoactuators in which a controlled number of molecules of the amyloid protein α-synuclein (AS) specifically regulate the aggregation of fluorescently labeled bulk AS protein both in vitro and in live cells.

Citation Download Citation

Guillermo Menéndez, María Julia Roberti, Valeria Sigot, María Etchehon, Thomas M. Jovin, and Elizabeth A. Jares-Erijman "Interplay of multivalency and optical properties of quantum dots: implications for sensing and actuation in living cells", Proc. SPIE 7189, Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications IV, 71890P (3 March 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816896

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available