Core-shell CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as a dual mode spatiotemporal microscopy probe for understanding cellular responses

Philip R. LeDuc; Ying Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.816898

3 March 2009 Core-shell CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as a dual mode spatiotemporal microscopy probe for understanding cellular responses

Philip R. LeDuc, Ying Zhang

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7189, Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications IV; 71890X (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816898
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2009, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Probing the spatiotemporal response of individual intracellular proteins and multi-peptide complexes is essential in understanding the integrated response of cells. Although dynamic information can be captured using optical microscopy, most conventional spatial resolutions are limited to around 200 nm, which is significantly greater than the size of molecules. One mode of microscopy that overcomes this resolution limitation is the electron microscope, which enables in situ protein labeling and allows for single or sub-nanometer resolution to be obtained. Transmission electron microscopy though is limited by the inability to capture dynamic molecular responses. Here, we have demonstrated the ability to use quantum dots for both modes of microscopy through a single labeling technology, which allows both dynamic and high resolution visualization with optical and electron microscopy. We visualized core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots within Dictyostelium discoideum using both microscopy modes through a bacterial nutrient protocol, which enables the quantum dots to enter living cells without the need of an artificial transporter system for assisted internalization. Optical imaging was first used to visualize the spatiotemporal behavior of actin filaments using phalloidin conjugated quantum dots. The same cells were then imaged using a transmission electron microscope to examine the detailed intracellular distribution down to a single nanometer size scale. These results have potential applications in a variety of areas including biophysics, cell motility, cancer metastasis, and cell structure.

Citation Download Citation

Philip R. LeDuc and Ying Zhang "Core-shell CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as a dual mode spatiotemporal microscopy probe for understanding cellular responses", Proc. SPIE 7189, Colloidal Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications IV, 71890X (3 March 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.816898

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