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Huang S, Huang G. The utilization of quantum dot labeling as a burgeoning technique in the field of biological imaging. RSC Adv 2024; 14:20884-20897. [PMID: 38957578 PMCID: PMC11217725 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04402a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs), with their unique optical and physical properties, have revolutionized the field of biological imaging, providing researchers with tools to explore cellular processes and molecular interactions in unprecedented detail. This review explores the diverse properties of QDs, emphasizing their application in biological imaging and addressing both their advantages and challenges. We discuss the developments in QD technology that have facilitated their integration into bioimaging, highlighting the role of surface modifications in enhancing their biocompatibility and functionality. The varied applications of QDs in both in vitro and in vivo imaging settings are examined, showcasing their capacity to deliver brighter, more stable, and multiplexed imaging solutions compared to traditional fluorescent dyes. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges associated with QD use, particularly concerns regarding their potential toxicity and long-term effects on biological systems, and explore ongoing research aimed at mitigating these issues. Finally, we discuss future directions in QD technology, anticipating advancements that will further solidify their role in biological imaging and open up new avenues for scientific exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University Chongqing 400700 China
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Science and Engineering, Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 401331 China
| | - Gangliang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Science and Engineering, Chongqing Normal University Chongqing 401331 China
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2
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Kolossov VL, Kanakaraju K, Sarkar S, Arogundade OH, Kuo CW, Mara NR, Smith AM. Quantum Dot-Fab' Conjugates as Compact Immunolabels for Microtubule Imaging and Cell Classification. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15084-15095. [PMID: 38815170 PMCID: PMC11262708 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Antibodies and their conjugates of fluorescent labels are widely applied in life sciences research and clinical pathology. Among diverse label types, compact quantum dots (QDs) provide advantages of multispectral multiplexing, bright signals in the deep red and infrared, and low steric hindrance. However, QD-antibody conjugates have random orientation of the antigen-binding domain which may interfere with labeling and are large (20-30 nm) and heterogeneous, which limits penetration into biospecimens. Here, we develop conjugates of compact QDs and Fab' antibody fragments as primary immunolabels. Fab' fragments are conjugated site-specifically through sulfhydryl groups distal to antigen-binding domains, and the multivalent conjugates have small and homogeneous sizes (∼12 nm) near those of full-sized antibodies. Their performance as immunolabels for intracellular antigens is evaluated quantitatively by metrics of microtubule labeling density and connectivity in fixed cells and for cytological identification in fixed brain specimens, comparing results with probes based on spectrally-matched dyes. QD-Fab' conjugates outperformed QD conjugates of full-sized antibodies and could be imaged with bright signals with 1-photon and 2-photon excitation. The results demonstrate a requirement for smaller bioaffinity agents and site-specific orientation for the success of nanomaterial-based labels to enhance penetration in biospecimens and minimize nonspecific staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L Kolossov
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Kaviamuthan Kanakaraju
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Suresh Sarkar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Opeyemi H Arogundade
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Chia-Wei Kuo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Nihar R Mara
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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3
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Kim S, Bae Y, Park SH, Chen N, Eom S, Kang S, Park J. Compact and modular bioprobe: Integrating SpyCatcher/SpyTag recombinant proteins with zwitterionic polymer-coated quantum dots. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 652:184-194. [PMID: 37595436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The development of quantum dot (QD)-based modular bioprobe that has a compact size and enable a facile conjugation of various biofunctional groups is in high demand. To address this, we surface engineered QDs with zwitterion polymer ligands to have an inherent compact size and derivatized them sequentially with the recombinant proteins SpyCatcher/SpyTag (SC/ST) to use their protein ligation system. SC/ST spontaneously form one complex through the isopeptide bond between them. SC-conjugated QDs (QD-SC) were used as base building blocks. Then, ST-biomolecules were added for modular biofunctionalization. We synthesized compact sized (∼15 nm) QD-SC-ST-affibody (antibody-mimicking small protein for tumor detection) conjugates, which showed successful cell-receptor targeting. The target cell-receptor could be easily tuned by changing the type of ST-affibody. We also demonstrated that anti-human-chorionic-gonadotropin mouse IgG1 antibodies can be labeled on the QD surface by mixing QD-SC with the ST-MG1Nb (mouse-IgG1-specific protein). The immunoassay performance of the antibody-labeled QDs was evaluated using a pregnancy test kit, displaying equivalent detection sensitivity to a commercially available kit. This study proposed an innovative strategy for QD biofunctionalization in a modular manner, which can be expanded to a diverse range of colloidal particle derivatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghwan Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonji Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Han Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Ning Chen
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Eom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongnam Park
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Sobhanan J, Anas A, Biju V. Nanomaterials for Fluorescence and Multimodal Bioimaging. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202200253. [PMID: 36789795 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202200253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioconjugated nanomaterials replace molecular probes in bioanalysis and bioimaging in vitro and in vivo. Nanoparticles of silica, metals, semiconductors, polymers, and supramolecular systems, conjugated with contrast agents and drugs for image-guided (MRI, fluorescence, PET, Raman, SPECT, photodynamic, photothermal, and photoacoustic) therapy infiltrate into preclinical and clinical settings. Small bioactive molecules like peptides, proteins, or DNA conjugated to the surfaces of drugs or probes help us to interface them with cells and tissues. Nevertheless, the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of nanodrugs, nanoprobes, and their components become the clinical barriers, underscoring the significance of developing biocompatible next-generation drugs and contrast agents. This account provides state-of-the-art advancements in the preparation and biological applications of bioconjugated nanomaterials and their molecular, cell, and in vivo applications. It focuses on the preparation, bioimaging, and bioanalytical applications of monomodal and multimodal nanoprobes composed of quantum dots, quantum clusters, iron oxide nanoparticles, and a few rare earth metal ion complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeladhara Sobhanan
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Abdulaziz Anas
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Kochi, Kerala, 682 018, India
| | - Vasudevanpillai Biju
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.,Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 001-0020, Japan
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5
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Sanmartín-Matalobos J, Bermejo-Barrera P, Aboal-Somoza M, Fondo M, García-Deibe AM, Corredoira-Vázquez J, Alves-Iglesias Y. Semiconductor Quantum Dots as Target Analytes: Properties, Surface Chemistry and Detection. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:2501. [PMID: 35889725 PMCID: PMC9318497 DOI: 10.3390/nano12142501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of Quantum Dots (QDs) by Alexey I. Ekimov in 1981, the interest of researchers in that particular type of nanomaterials (NMs) with unique optical and electrical properties has been increasing year by year. Thus, since 2009, the number of scientific articles published on this topic has not been less than a thousand a year. The increasing use of QDs due to their biomedical, pharmaceutical, biological, photovoltaics or computing applications, as well as many other high-tech uses such as for displays and solid-state lighting (SSL), has given rise to a considerable number of studies about its potential toxicity. However, there are a really low number of reported studies on the detection and quantification of QDs, and these include ICP-MS and electrochemical analysis, which are the most common quantification techniques employed for this purpose. The knowledge of chemical phenomena occurring on the surface of QDs is crucial for understanding the interactions of QDs with species dissolved in the dispersion medium, while it paves the way for a widespread use of chemosensors to facilitate its detection. Keeping in mind both human health and environmental risks of QDs as well as the scarcity of analytical techniques and methodological approaches for their detection, the adaptation of existing techniques and methods used with other NMs appears necessary. In order to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on QD detection, this review focused on three interrelated key aspects of QDs: properties, surface chemistry and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Sanmartín-Matalobos
- Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry Group (SupraMetal), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.F.); (J.C.-V.); (Y.A.-I.)
| | - Pilar Bermejo-Barrera
- Trace Element, Speciation and Spectroscopy Group (GETEE), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.B.-B.); (M.A.-S.)
| | - Manuel Aboal-Somoza
- Trace Element, Speciation and Spectroscopy Group (GETEE), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.B.-B.); (M.A.-S.)
| | - Matilde Fondo
- Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry Group (SupraMetal), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.F.); (J.C.-V.); (Y.A.-I.)
| | - Ana M. García-Deibe
- Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry Group (SupraMetal), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.F.); (J.C.-V.); (Y.A.-I.)
| | - Julio Corredoira-Vázquez
- Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry Group (SupraMetal), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.F.); (J.C.-V.); (Y.A.-I.)
| | - Yeneva Alves-Iglesias
- Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry Group (SupraMetal), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.F.); (J.C.-V.); (Y.A.-I.)
- Trace Element, Speciation and Spectroscopy Group (GETEE), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Materials (iMATUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida das Ciencias s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.B.-B.); (M.A.-S.)
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6
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Tang B, Liu BH, Liu ZY, Luo MY, Shi XH, Pang DW. Quantum Dots with a Compact Amphiphilic Zwitterionic Coating. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:28097-28104. [PMID: 35686447 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c04438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Generally speaking, it is difficult to keep nanomaterials encapsulated in amphiphilic polymers like octylamine-grafted poly(acrylic acid) (OPA) compact in coating-layer, with a small hydrodynamic size. Here, we prepared stable hydrophilic quantum dots (QDs) via encapsulation in ∼3 nm-long amphiphilic and zwitterionic (AZ) molecules. After encapsulation with AZ molecules, the coated QDs are only 2.1 nm thicker in coating, instead of 5.4 nm with OPA. Meanwhile, the hydrodynamic sizes of CdSe/CdS, ZnCdSeS, ZnCdSe/ZnS, and CdSe/ZnS QDs encapsulated in AZ molecules (AZ-QDs) are less than 15 nm, and 6-7 nm smaller than those of QDs in OPA (OPA-QDs). Notably, both extracellular and intracellular nonspecific binding of AZ-QDs is approximately 100-folds lower than that of OPA-QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Bing-Hua Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Zhen-Ya Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Meng-Yao Luo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Xue-Hui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Dai-Wen Pang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
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7
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Han Z, Vaidya RM, Arogundade OH, Ma L, Zahid MU, Sarkar S, Kuo CW, Selvin PR, Smith AM. Structural Design of Multidentate Copolymers as Compact Quantum Dot Coatings for Live-Cell Single-Particle Imaging. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 34:4621-4632. [PMID: 36968145 PMCID: PMC10038122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of semiconductor nanocrystal used broadly as fluorescent emitters for analytical studies in the life sciences. These nanomaterials are particularly valuable for single-particle imaging and tracking applications in cells and tissues. An ongoing technological goal is to reduce the hydrodynamic size of QDs to enhance access to sterically hindered biological targets. Multidentate polymer coatings are a focus of these efforts and have resulted in compact and stable QDs with hydrodynamic diameters near 10 nm. New developments are needed to reach smaller sizes to further enhance transport through pores in cells and tissues. Here, we describe how structural characteristics of linear multidentate copolymers determine hydrodynamic size, colloidal stability, and biomolecular interactions of coated QDs. We tune copolymer composition, degree of polymerization, and hydrophilic group length, and coat polymers on CdSe and (core)shell (HgCdSe)CdZnS QDs. We find that a broad range of polymer structures and compositions yield stable colloidal dispersions; however, hydrodynamic size minimization and nonspecific binding resistance can only be simultaneously achieved within a narrow range of properties, requiring short polymers, balanced compositions, and small nanocrystals. In quantitative single-molecule imaging assays in synapses of live neurons, size reduction progressively increases labeling specificity of neurotransmitter receptors. Our findings provide a design roadmap to next-generation QDs with sizes approaching fluorescent protein labels that are the standard of many live-cell biomolecular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Rohit M Vaidya
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Opeyemi H Arogundade
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Mohammad U Zahid
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Suresh Sarkar
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Chia-Wei Kuo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Paul R Selvin
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Center for the Physics of Living Cells, and Department of Physics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States-8163
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Cancer Center at Illinois, and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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8
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Wei F, Xie Q, Huang Z, Yang A, Duan Y. Induction of autophagy and ER-phagy caused by CdTe-QDs are protective mechanisms of yeast cell. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1146-1158. [PMID: 34989008 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs), with unique and tunable optical properties, have been are widely used in many fields closely related to our daily lives, such as biomedical application and electronic products. Therefore, the potential toxicity of QDs on the human health should be understood. Autophagy plays an important role in cell survival and death. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy (ER-phagy), a selective autophagy that degrades ER, responds to the accumulation of misfolded proteins and ER stress. Although many reports have revealed that autophagy can be disturbed by CdTe-QDs and other nanomaterials, there are still lack more detail researches to illustrate the function of autophagy in CdTe-QDs treated cells. And the function of ER-phagy in CdTe-QDs-treated cells remains to be illustrated. On the basis of transcriptome analysis, we explored the effect of CdTe-QDs on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and firstly illustrated that both of autophagy and ER-phagy were protective mechanisms in CdTe-QDs-treated cells. It was found that CdTe-QDs inhibited the proliferation of yeast cells, disrupted homeostasis of cells, membrane integrity and metabolism process. All of these can be reasons of the reduction of cell viability. The abolish of autophagy and ER-phagy reduce the cell survival, indicating both of them are cell protective mechanisms against CdTe-QDs toxicity in yeast cells. Therefore, our data are significant for the application of CdTe-QDs and provide precious information for understanding of nanomaterials-related ER-phagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujing Wei
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bio-resource and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiyue Xie
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bio-resource and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Zhijun Huang
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yixiang Duan
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bio-resource and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
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9
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Liang Z, Khawar MB, Liang J, Sun H. Bio-Conjugated Quantum Dots for Cancer Research: Detection and Imaging. Front Oncol 2021; 11:749970. [PMID: 34745974 PMCID: PMC8569511 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.749970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and gamma scintigraphy-based detection and bio-imaging technologies have achieved outstanding breakthroughs in recent years. However, these technologies still encounter several limitations such as insufficient sensitivity, specificity and security that limit their applications in cancer detection and bio-imaging. The semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a kind of newly developed fluorescent nanoparticles that have superior fluorescence intensity, strong resistance to photo-bleaching, size-tunable light emission and could produce multiple fluorescent colors under single-source excitation. Furthermore, QDs have optimal surface to link with multiple targets such as antibodies, peptides, and several other small molecules. Thus, QDs might serve as potential, more sensitive and specific methods of detection than conventional methods applied in cancer molecular targeting and bio-imaging. However, many challenges such as cytotoxicity and nonspecific uptake still exist limiting their wider applications. In the present review, we aim to summarize the current applications and challenges of QDs in cancer research mainly focusing on tumor detection, bio-imaging, and provides opinions on how to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Liang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China.,Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
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10
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Zhang Q, Li J, Pan X, Liu X, Gai H. Low-Numerical Aperture Microscope Objective Boosted by Liquid-Immersed Dielectric Microspheres for Quantum Dot-Based Digital Immunoassays. Anal Chem 2021; 93:12848-12853. [PMID: 34520178 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quantum dot (QD)-based digital immunoassays play an important role in ultrasensitive biomarker detection. However, the requirement of an objective with a high numerical aperture (NA) limits the application of this immunoassay. Here, high-quality imaging of massive single-QDs was achieved by the combination of an air objective (20×/0.4 NA) and liquid-immersed microspheres (150 μm, n = 2.2). The signal-to-noise ratio was comparable to that of a 100×/1.4 NA oil objective. Digital analysis of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was performed within the dynamic range of 0-50 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.17 ng/mL. The measured serum data from the PSA were close to the values provided by a hospital. Using a low-magnification and low-NA objective may reduce the barrier of microscopy miniaturization and is beneficial to popularize biomolecular digital analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis for Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis for Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis for Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Hongwei Gai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis for Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
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Ma L, Geng J, Kolossov VL, Han Z, Pei Y, Lim SJ, Kilian KA, Smith AM. Antibody Self-Assembly Maximizes Cytoplasmic Immunostaining Accuracy of Compact Quantum Dots. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2021; 33:4877-4889. [PMID: 35221487 PMCID: PMC8880911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.1c00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Antibody conjugates of quantum dots (QDs) are expected to transform immunofluorescence staining by expanding multiplexed analysis and improving target quantification. Recently, a new generation of small QDs coated with multidentate polymers has improved QD labeling density in diverse biospecimens, but new challenges prevent their routine use. In particular, these QDs exhibit nonspecific binding to fixed cell nuclei and their antibody conjugates have random attachment orientations. This report describes four high-efficiency chemical approaches to conjugate antibodies to compact QDs. Methods include click chemistry and self-assembly through polyhistidine coordination, both with and without adaptor proteins that directionally orient antibodies. Specific and nonspecific labeling are independently analyzed after application of diverse blocking agent classes, and a new assay is developed to quantitatively measure intracellular labeling density based on microtubule stain connectivity. Results show that protein conjugation to the QD surface is required to simultaneously eliminate nonspecific binding and maintain antigen specificity. Of the four conjugation schemes, polyhistidine-based coordination of adaptor proteins with antibody self-assembly yields the highest intracellular staining density and the simplest conjugation procedure. Therefore, antibody and adaptor protein orientation, in addition to blocking optimization, are important determinants of labeling outcomes, insights that can inform translational development of these more compact nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Junlong Geng
- Department of Bioengineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Vladimir L Kolossov
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Zhiyuan Han
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yi Pei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sung Jun Lim
- Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Division of Nanotechnology, Dalseong-Gun 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; School of Materials Science and Engineering and School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States; Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Wang Q, He H, Zhang Q, Feng Z, Li J, Chen X, Liu L, Wang X, Ge B, Yu D, Ren H, Huang F. Deep-Learning-Assisted Single-Molecule Tracking on a Live Cell Membrane. Anal Chem 2021; 93:8810-8816. [PMID: 34132089 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule fluorescence imaging is a powerful tool to study protein function by tracking molecular position and distribution, but the precise and rapid identification of dynamic molecules remains challenging due to the heterogeneous distribution and interaction of proteins on the live cell membrane. We now develop a deep-learning (DL)-assisted single-molecule imaging method that can precisely distinguish the monomer and complex for rapid and real-time tracking of protein interaction. This DL-based model, which comprises convolutional layers, max pooling layers, and fully connected layers, is trained to reach an accuracy of >98% for identifying monomer and complex. We use this method to investigate the dynamic process of chemokine receptor CXCR4 on the live cell membrane during the early signaling stage. The results show that, upon ligand activation, the CXCR4 undergoes a dynamic process of forming a receptor complex. We further demonstrate that the CXCR4 complex tends to be internalized at 2.5-fold higher rate into the cell interior than the monomer via the clathrin-dependent pathway. This study is the first example to scrutinize the early signaling process of CXCR4 at the single-molecule level on the live cell membrane. We envision that this DL-assisted imaging method would be a broadly useful technique to study more protein families for elucidating their physiological and pathological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Hua He
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Zhenzhen Feng
- Technical Center of Qingdao Customs District, Qingdao 266500, China
| | - Jiqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Xiaoliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Baosheng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Daoyong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Hao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Fang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
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Gil HM, Price TW, Chelani K, Bouillard JSG, Calaminus SD, Stasiuk GJ. NIR-quantum dots in biomedical imaging and their future. iScience 2021; 24:102189. [PMID: 33718839 PMCID: PMC7921844 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence imaging has gathered interest over the recent years for its real-time response and high sensitivity. Developing probes for this modality has proven to be a challenge. Quantum dots (QDs) are colloidal nanoparticles that possess unique optical and electronic properties due to quantum confinement effects, whose excellent optical properties make them ideal for fluorescence imaging of biological systems. By selectively controlling the synthetic methodologies it is possible to obtain QDs that emit in the first (650-950 nm) and second (1000-1400 nm) near infra-red (NIR) windows, allowing for superior imaging properties. Despite the excellent optical properties and biocompatibility shown by some NIR QDs, there are still some challenges to overcome to enable there use in clinical applications. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in the application of NIR QDs in preclinical settings, together with the synthetic approaches and material developments that make NIR QDs promising for future biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio M. Gil
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, 4th Floor Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, HU6 7RX Hull, UK
| | - Thomas W. Price
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, 4th Floor Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, London, UK
| | - Kanik Chelani
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, 4th Floor Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, London, UK
| | | | - Simon D.J. Calaminus
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, HU6 7RX, Hull, UK
| | - Graeme J. Stasiuk
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, 4th Floor Lambeth Wing, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, London, UK
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