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Abbandonato G, Hoffmann K, Resch-Genger U. Determination of quantum yields of semiconductor nanocrystals at the single emitter level via fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:7147-7154. [PMID: 29616686 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr09332b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Comparing the photoluminescence (PL) properties of ensembles of nanocrystals like semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with single particle studies is of increasing interest for many applications of these materials as reporters in bioimaging studies performed under very dilute conditions or even at the single particle level. Particularly relevant is here the PL quantum yield (ΦF), which determines the signal size together with the reporter's molar extinction coefficient and is a direct measure for nanocrystal quality, especially for the inorganic surface passivation shell and its tightness, which can be correlated also with nanocrystal stability and the possible release of heavy metal ions. Exemplarily for red and green emitting CdTe nanocrystals, we present a method for the determination of ΦF of nanoparticle dispersions at ultralow concentration compared to cuvette measurements using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), a single molecule method, and compared to molecular dyes with closely matching spectral properties and known ΦF. Our results underline the potential of this approach, provided that material-inherent limitations like ligand- and QD-specific aggregation affecting particle diffusion and QD drawbacks such as their complex and power-dependent blinking behavior are properly considered as shown here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Abbandonato
- Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Division Biophotonics, Richard-Willstaetter-Str. 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Lim SJ, Ma L, Schleife A, Smith AM. Quantum Dot Surface Engineering: Toward Inert Fluorophores with Compact Size and Bright, Stable Emission. Coord Chem Rev 2016; 320-321:216-237. [PMID: 28344357 PMCID: PMC5363762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The surfaces of colloidal nanocrystals are complex interfaces between solid crystals, coordinating ligands, and liquid solutions. For fluorescent quantum dots, the properties of the surface vastly influence the efficiency of light emission, stability, and physical interactions, and thus determine their sensitivity and specificity when they are used to detect and image biological molecules. But after more than 30 years of study, the surfaces of quantum dots remain poorly understood and continue to be an important subject of both experimental and theoretical research. In this article, we review the physics and chemistry of quantum dot surfaces and describe approaches to engineer optimal fluorescent probes for applications in biomolecular imaging and sensing. We describe the structure and electronic properties of crystalline facets, the chemistry of ligand coordination, and the impact of ligands on optical properties. We further describe recent advances in compact coatings that have significantly improved their properties by providing small hydrodynamic size, high stability and fluorescence efficiency, and minimal nonspecific interactions with cells and biological molecules. While major progress has been made in both basic and applied research, many questions remain in the chemistry and physics of quantum dot surfaces that have hindered key breakthroughs to fully optimize their properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jun Lim
- Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - André Schleife
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Andrew M. Smith
- Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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3
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Wan Y, Carlson JA, Kesler BA, Peng W, Su P, Al-Mulla SA, Lim SJ, Smith AM, Dallesasse JM, Cunningham BT. Compact characterization of liquid absorption and emission spectra using linear variable filters integrated with a CMOS imaging camera. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29117. [PMID: 27389070 PMCID: PMC4937387 DOI: 10.1038/srep29117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A compact analysis platform for detecting liquid absorption and emission spectra using a set of optical linear variable filters atop a CMOS image sensor is presented. The working spectral range of the analysis platform can be extended without a reduction in spectral resolution by utilizing multiple linear variable filters with different wavelength ranges on the same CMOS sensor. With optical setup reconfiguration, its capability to measure both absorption and fluorescence emission is demonstrated. Quantitative detection of fluorescence emission down to 0.28 nM for quantum dot dispersions and 32 ng/mL for near-infrared dyes has been demonstrated on a single platform over a wide spectral range, as well as an absorption-based water quality test, showing the versatility of the system across liquid solutions for different emission and absorption bands. Comparison with a commercially available portable spectrometer and an optical spectrum analyzer shows our system has an improved signal-to-noise ratio and acceptable spectral resolution for discrimination of emission spectra, and characterization of colored liquid's absorption characteristics generated by common biomolecular assays. This simple, compact, and versatile analysis platform demonstrates a path towards an integrated optical device that can be utilized for a wide variety of applications in point-of-use testing and point-of-care diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA.,School of Electronic and Information Engineering Beihang University, 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, China
| | - John A Carlson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin A Kesler
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Wang Peng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA.,School of Mechanical Science and Engineering Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Patrick Su
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Saoud A Al-Mulla
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sung Jun Lim
- Department of Bioengineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Andrew M Smith
- Department of Bioengineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - John M Dallesasse
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Brian T Cunningham
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Bioengineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, 208 North Wright Street, Urbana, IL, USA
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4
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Harney AS, Arwert EN, Entenberg D, Wang Y, Guo P, Qian BZ, Oktay MH, Pollard JW, Jones JG, Condeelis JS. Real-Time Imaging Reveals Local, Transient Vascular Permeability, and Tumor Cell Intravasation Stimulated by TIE2hi Macrophage-Derived VEGFA. Cancer Discov 2015; 5:932-43. [PMID: 26269515 PMCID: PMC4560669 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 424] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dissemination of tumor cells is an essential step in metastasis. Direct contact between a macrophage, mammalian-enabled (MENA)-overexpressing tumor cell, and endothelial cell [Tumor MicroEnvironment of Metastasis (TMEM)] correlates with metastasis in breast cancer patients. Here we show, using intravital high-resolution two-photon microscopy, that transient vascular permeability and tumor cell intravasation occur simultaneously and exclusively at TMEM. The hyperpermeable nature of tumor vasculature is described as spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Using real-time imaging, we observed that vascular permeability is transient, restricted to the TMEM, and required for tumor cell dissemination. VEGFA signaling from TIE2(hi) TMEM macrophages causes local loss of vascular junctions, transient vascular permeability, and tumor cell intravasation, demonstrating a role for the TMEM within the primary mammary tumor. These data provide insight into the mechanism of tumor cell intravasation and vascular permeability in breast cancer, explaining the value of TMEM density as a predictor of distant metastatic recurrence in patients. SIGNIFICANCE Tumor vasculature is abnormal with increased permeability. Here, we show that VEGFA signaling from TIE2(hi) TMEM macrophages results in local, transient vascular permeability and tumor cell intravasation. These data provide evidence for the mechanism underlying the association of TMEM with distant metastatic recurrence, offering a rationale for therapies targeting TMEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Harney
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York.
| | - Esther N Arwert
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Entenberg
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yarong Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Bin-Zhi Qian
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. MRC Center for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maja H Oktay
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey W Pollard
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. MRC Center for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joan G Jones
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - John S Condeelis
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York.
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Mapping the spatial distribution of charge carriers in quantum-confined heterostructures. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4506. [PMID: 25080298 PMCID: PMC4122291 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantum-confined nanostructures are considered 'artificial atoms' because the wavefunctions of their charge carriers resemble those of atomic orbitals. For multiple-domain heterostructures, however, carrier wavefunctions are more complex and still not well understood. We have prepared a unique series of cation-exchanged Hg(x)Cd(1-x)Te quantum dots (QDs) and seven epitaxial core-shell QDs and measured their first and second exciton peak oscillator strengths as a function of size and chemical composition. A major finding is that carrier locations can be quantitatively mapped and visualized during shell growth or cation exchange simply using absorption transition strengths. These results reveal that a broad range of quantum heterostructures with different internal structures and band alignments exhibit distinct carrier localization patterns that can be used to further improve the performance of optoelectronic devices and enhance the brightness of QD probes for bioimaging.
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Conde J, Dias JT, Grazú V, Moros M, Baptista PV, de la Fuente JM. Revisiting 30 years of biofunctionalization and surface chemistry of inorganic nanoparticles for nanomedicine. Front Chem 2014; 2:48. [PMID: 25077142 PMCID: PMC4097105 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last 30 years we have assisted to a massive advance of nanomaterials in material science. Nanomaterials and structures, in addition to their small size, have properties that differ from those of larger bulk materials, making them ideal for a host of novel applications. The spread of nanotechnology in the last years has been due to the improvement of synthesis and characterization methods on the nanoscale, a field rich in new physical phenomena and synthetic opportunities. In fact, the development of functional nanoparticles has progressed exponentially over the past two decades. This work aims to extensively review 30 years of different strategies of surface modification and functionalization of noble metal (gold) nanoparticles, magnetic nanocrystals and semiconductor nanoparticles, such as quantum dots. The aim of this review is not only to provide in-depth insights into the different biofunctionalization and characterization methods, but also to give an overview of possibilities and limitations of the available nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Conde
- Harvard-MIT Division for Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jorge T. Dias
- Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostics Group, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon, Universidad de ZaragozaZaragoza, Spain
| | - Valeria Grazú
- Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostics Group, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon, Universidad de ZaragozaZaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Moros
- Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostics Group, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon, Universidad de ZaragozaZaragoza, Spain
| | - Pedro V. Baptista
- CIGMH, Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de LisboaCaparica, Portugal
| | - Jesus M. de la Fuente
- Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnostics Group, Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragon, Universidad de ZaragozaZaragoza, Spain
- Fundacion ARAIDZaragoza, Spain
- Key Laboratory for Thin Film and Microfabrication Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Bio-Nano Science and Engineering, Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Research Institute of Translation Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai, China
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Lim SJ, Smith A, Nie S. The More Exotic Shapes of Semiconductor Nanocrystals: Emerging Applications in Bioimaging. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2014; 4:137-143. [PMID: 24982823 DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Semiconductor nanocrystals are tiny fluorescent particles that have recently made a major impact in the biological and medical sciences by enabling high-sensitivity imaging of biomolecules, cells, and tissues. Spherical quantum dots are the prototypical material for these applications but recent synthetic advances have led to a diverse range of nanostructures with controllable sizes, shapes, and materials combinations that offer new dimensions of optical and structural tunability. Uniform anisotropic shapes with linearly polarized light emission allow optical imaging of particle orientation, planar structures have large flexible surfaces and ultra-narrow electronic transitions, and compact nanoparticles have enhanced diffusion in crowded biological environments. These properties are providing unique opportunities to probe basic biological processes, cellular structures, and organismal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Jun Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Andrew Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Shuming Nie
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
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Zhan N, Palui G, Safi M, Ji X, Mattoussi H. Multidentate zwitterionic ligands provide compact and highly biocompatible quantum dots. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:13786-95. [PMID: 24003892 DOI: 10.1021/ja405010v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hydrophilic functional semiconductor nanocrystals that are also compact provide greatly promising platforms for use in bioinspired applications and are thus highly needed. To address this, we designed a set of metal coordinating ligands where we combined two lipoic acid groups, bis(LA)-ZW, (as a multicoordinating anchor) with a zwitterion group for water compatibility. We further combined this ligand design with a new photoligation strategy, which relies on optical means instead of chemical reduction of the lipoic acid, to promote the transfer of CdSe-ZnS QDs to buffer media. In particular, we found that the QDs photoligated with this zwitterion-terminated bis(lipoic) acid exhibit great colloidal stability over a wide range of pHs, to an excess of electrolytes, and in the presence of growth media and reducing agents, in addition to preserving their optical and spectroscopic properties. These QDs are also stable at nanomolar concentrations and under ambient conditions (room temperature and white light exposure), a very promising property for fluorescent labeling in biology. In addition, the compact ligands permitted metal-histidine self-assembly between QDs photoligated with bis(LA)-ZW and two different His-tagged proteins, maltose binding protein and fluorescent mCherry protein. The remarkable stability of QDs capped with these multicoordinating and compact ligands over a broad range of conditions and at very small concentrations, combined with the compatibility with metal-histidine conjugation, could be very useful for a variety of applications, ranging from protein tracking and ligand-receptor binding to intracellular sensing using energy transfer interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiqian Zhan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida State University , 95 Chieftan Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
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