title: Targeting and sensing cancer cells with ZnO nanoprobes in vitro.
abstract: A new class of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) was investigated as nanoprobes for targeting cancer cells in vitro. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using conventional sol-gel method and encapsulated using trimethoxy aminopropyl silane. Transferrin, the ligand targeting the cancer cells, was conjugated to the ZnO QDs. In vitro imaging studies using MDA-MB-231 showed the biocompatible ZnO nanoprobe selectively binding to the cell surface receptor and internalizing through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Time-lapsed photobleaching studies indicate the ZnO QDs to be resistant to photobleaching, making them suitable for long term imaging purpose. Investigation of the ZnO nanoprobe as a platform for sensitive bioassays indicates that it can be used as an alternative fluoroprobe for cancer cell targeting and sensing applications.
authors.affiliation: Tissue Culture and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India. mailmevkss@gmail.com
authors.forename: Selvaraj
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sudhagar
authors.forename: Shanmugaraj
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sathya
authors.forename: Kannaiyan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pandian
authors.forename: Baddireddi Subhadra
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Lakshmi
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D011485:Protein Binding; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014168:Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014168:Transferrin; D015034:Zinc Oxide