title: Surface modified fluorescent quantum dots with neurotransmitter ligands for potential targeting of cell signaling applications.
abstract: The possibility of combining nanotechnology with nanomedicine opens a broad field of research which may truly revolutionize our society. The neural system plays a crucial role in the human body, and most related diseases can dramatically change the quality of life. Thus, the present study reports a novel approach for using neurotransmitters as ligands in the synthesis of surface-modified fluorescent nanocrystals for potential use in cell labeling applications. Briefly, CdS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared using L-glutamic and L-aspartic as surface capping agents via a one-step chemical processing method, which resulted in stable aqueous colloidal systems at room temperature and ambient pressure. UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the synthesis and relative stability of peptide-capped CdS nanocrystals. The results demonstrate that both ligands were effective in nucleating and stabilizing CdS quantum dots in colloidal aqueous suspensions, with an estimated dimension below 3.3 nm and with fluorescence activity. Thus, novel nanohybrids were developed based on QDs bioconjugated to surface-active neurotransmitter moieties suitable for investigation as potential biomarkers in cell targeting and signaling applications.
authors.affiliation: Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandra A P
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mansur
authors.affiliation: Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Saliba
authors.affiliation: Center of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Innovation - CeNano(2)I, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: hmansur@demet.ufmg.br.
authors.forename: Herman S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Mansur
mesh_terms: D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / Q000737:chemistry; D000327:Adsorption; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D002477:Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D005453:Fluorescence; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008027:Light; D008566:Membranes; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D045663:Quantum Dots / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012996:Solutions; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D055672:Static Electricity; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D008024:Ligands; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D012996:Solutions; D013440:Sulfides; C034939:cadmium sulfide; D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine; D001224:Aspartic Acid; D018698:Glutamic Acid
keywords: Bioconjugate; Colloid; Nanocrystal; Nanoparticle; Nanotechnology; Neurotransmitter; Quantum dots