Compact cysteine-coated CdSe(ZnCdS) quantum dots for in vivo applications.
We have developed a versatile nanoparticle construct using a compact cysteine coating on a CdSe(ZnCdS) core(shell) nanocrystal (QD-Cys) that is biologically compatible, exceptionally compact, highly fluorescent, and easily functionalized. The small hydrodynamic diameter of QD-Cys ( approximately 6 nm) allows for renal clearance of these nanoparticles in rat models. Moreover, the ability to directly conjugate to QD-Cys opens up the possibility of functionalized nanocrystals for in vivo targeted imaging, in which small targeting molecules can be appended to QD-Cys, and unbound QDs can be rapidly cleared to achieve high signal/noise ratios and to reduce background toxicity.
Liu
Wenhao
W
Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Choi
Hak Soo
HS
Zimmer
John P
JP
Tanaka
Eiichi
E
Frangioni
John V
JV
Bawendi
Moungi
M
D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003545:Cysteine / Q000737:chemistry*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D045663:Quantum Dots; D051381:Rats; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D015032:Zinc / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D013440:Sulfides; D002104:Cadmium; C058667:cadmium selenide; D015032:Zinc; D003545:Cysteine