Biocompatible methionine-capped CdS/ZnS quantum dots for live cell nucleus imaging
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Research Letter
Biocompatible methionine-capped CdS/ZnS quantum dots for live cell nucleus imaging S. Kanagasubbulakshmi, I. Gowtham, and K. Kadirvelu, DRDO—BU Center for Life Sciences, Bharathiar University Campus, Coimbatore, 641046, India K. Archana, Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, 641014, India Address all correspondence to K. Kadirvelu at [email protected] (Received 22 August 2018; accepted 17 December 2018)
Abstract CdS/ZnS core shell quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and functionalized by methionine and characterized by standard techniques. The prior QD-based phytotoxicity assay was helpful to find out the maximum tolerant level of the plant cells. The successful transport and phytotoxic mechanism of QDs were elaborated in detail. Methionine functionalities on the QDs were helpful in specific binding of QDs with the nucleus of stomata in plant cells. Target specific interaction with the nucleus of stomata cells was a novel breakthrough that can be used in many biologic applications.
Introduction The quantum dots (QDs) have received significant attention in current research scenario in terms of stable photophysical properties. QDs have been known for their unique emission spectra which can be tuned to obtain entire visible to near-infrared spectra.[1–5] The bioimaging and biolabeling of animal and plant cells require excellent photostability of the fluorescent compound when compared to organic dyes and other fluorescent tags.[6] Current technologies to address the photostability depend on nanoengineering of the materials. However, there are various emerging fields which have been using engineered materials starting from day to day applications to defense technologies. The research findings in designing of nanomaterials differ in each application that supplement target-based functionalities on the surface of the nanomaterial. In particular, the biologic applications of QDs have unique sets of challenges in terms of designing of target-based functional groups and biocompatibility. The semiconductor-based QDs are known for their toxic effects in an environment that need rigorous analysis to address the harmful effects. Although the reports about cytotoxicity of QDs on human cells are available enormously, the findings of environment tolerance level still require additional assessment using plant system. To date, there are very limited reports only available about the sole understanding of QD toxicity to plant system.[7] Plants have a vital role in the environment as they directly come in contact with the contaminants that have been accumulated in the soil.[8] Once the QDs have exposed to the plant system they have been transported through aerial or the root pathway. The bioaccumulation of QDs can have either beneficial or adverse effect on the plant system. The QDs at higher
concentration suppress the plant growth and enhances it at lowest concentrations.[9] The developed technologies in nanoscience laid a platform to use QDs as a biomarker in plant science. The recent
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