Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2011
Capstone Advisor
Prof. Mathew M. Maye
Honors Reader
Prof. James Dabrowiak
Capstone Major
Chemistry
Capstone College
Arts and Science
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
yes
Won Capstone Funding
yes
Honors Categories
Sciences and Engineering
Subject Categories
Chemistry | Other Chemistry
Abstract
We have shown the efficacy of Quantum Dots (qdots), nano-scale fluorescent particles made of semi-conductive material, as versatile biologically functional research tools. This functionality depends upon a series of chemical transformations that produce stable, aqueous, biomolecule-bound qdots with high quantum yield. We utilize the metal binding and chelating properties of the amino acid histidine to displace hydrophobic surface ligands and to phase-transfer qdots from organic to aqueous media. The intermediate binding strength of histidine to qdot surface facilitates its exchange with a variety of strongly binding thiolated biomolecules. Ligand profiles are subsequently characterized via FTIR, NMR, and gel electrophoresis. Negatively-charged aqueous qdots are shown to be taken-up and contained within phospholipid liposomes formed via several different protocols. Flexible liposome synthetic procedures allow intercalation of a number of moieties into liposomal membranes, including hydrophobic dyes and hydrophobic qdots. Possible implications for cellular delivery are discussed
Recommended Citation
Miska, Nathaniel J., "Quantum Dot Biofunctionalization" (2011). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 265.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/265
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