Protease-activated quantum dot probes.
We have developed a novel nanoparticulate luminescent probe with inherent signal amplification upon interaction with a targeted proteolytic enzyme. This construct may be useful for imaging in cancer detection and diagnosis. In this system, quantum dots (QDs) are bound to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via a proteolytically degradable peptide sequence to non-radiatively suppress luminescence. A 71% reduction in luminescence was achieved with conjugation of AuNPs to QDs. Release of AuNPs by peptide cleavage restores radiative QD photoluminescence. Initial studies observed a 52% rise in luminescence over 47 h of exposure to 0.2 mg/mL collagenase. These probes can be customized for targeted degradation simply by changing the sequence of the peptide linker.
Chang
Emmanuel
E
Rice University, Department of Bioengineering MS-142, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA.
Miller
Jordan S
JS
Sun
Jiantang
J
Yu
William W
WW
Colvin
Vicki L
VL
Drezek
Rebekah
R
West
Jennifer L
JL
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D017979:Gold Colloid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry; D025941:Protein Interaction Mapping / Q000379:methods; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D017979:Gold Colloid; D010455:Peptides; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases