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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Synthesis And Characterization Of Gd-Doped Inp/Zns Quantum Dots For Use In Multimodal Imaging Probes, Molly Erin Duszynski
Synthesis And Characterization Of Gd-Doped Inp/Zns Quantum Dots For Use In Multimodal Imaging Probes, Molly Erin Duszynski
MSU Graduate Theses
Quantum dots (QDs), which are intensely fluorescent nanocrystals ranging 2-10 nanometers in diameter, have shown promise in fluorescence imaging. However, in vivo applications of QDs are limited due to the opaque surrounding of tissue and bones. In this study, InP/ZnS QDs were doped with a paramagnetic atom in an attempt to render them MRI-active. We have further bioconjugated these nanoprobes to develop highly specific MRI-active probes that can be used for detection of neurodegenerative diseases. These bioconjugated nanoprobes detect a mutated form of alpha-synuclein that forms oligomers that are a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease andother alpha-synucleinopathies. Here, we have optimized …
Functionalization Of Indium-Based Quantum Dots For Use As A Non-Viral Gene Therapy Vector, Nicholas A. Mundt
Functionalization Of Indium-Based Quantum Dots For Use As A Non-Viral Gene Therapy Vector, Nicholas A. Mundt
MSU Graduate Theses
This work aims to develop functionalized, water-soluble indium-based quantum dots (QDs) as a non-viral gene therapy vector. The QDs were solubilized in water by exchanging native hydrophobic surface ligands with 11-mercaptoundecanioc acid (MUA); an amphiphilic ligand providing terminal carboxylate groups that impart water solubility to the QDs. The aqueous QDs were then functionalized with a terminal tertiary amine to impart a positive surface charge, allowing negatively-charged DNA to complex with the nanoparticles. The QDs were characterized via electrophoresis to determine their ability to bind DNA. Results show that further work is needed to optimize DNA binding. In addition, this work …
Synthesis And Functionalization Of Fluorescent Quantum Dot Bioconjugates For Cellular Imaging Of Directed Gene Therapy, Jason Matthew Davis
Synthesis And Functionalization Of Fluorescent Quantum Dot Bioconjugates For Cellular Imaging Of Directed Gene Therapy, Jason Matthew Davis
MSU Graduate Theses
Herein, I optimize a method for synthesis and bioconjugation of water-soluble, fluorescent CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) for targeted cellular delivery of DNA. Core CdSe QDs were synthesized in high temperature organic solvents and passivated with a ZnS shell to increase quantum yield. The fluorescent QD nanoparticles were made water-soluble by enveloping them with an amphiphilic polymer. These aqueous nanoparticles were functionalized with tertiary amines to impart a positive charge, allowing electrostatic binding to negatively-charged DNA. The conjugated QDs were characterized using zeta potential and electrophoresis to gauge their ability to electrostatically bind DNA. The QDs were further modified by conjugation …