Advancements in the synthesis of biocompatible nanocrystals offer a promising opportunity to develop platforms for use in molecular imaging and as diagnostic tools. A crucial criterion to successfully employ them in biology requires devising strategies to promote their intracellular uptake while circumventing endocytosis. We report on the use of a cationic anti-microbial peptide as means of promoting the cytosolic uptake of QDs. The peptide is synthesized with a terminal cysteine to allow conjugation onto amine-modified QDs. The QDs have been coated with metal-coordinating ligands.  Using fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry we find that incubating cells with the QD-peptide leads to delivery into the cytoplasm without affecting the cellular morphology or viability. A homogeneous distribution of QD staining has been observed throughout the cytoplasm without co-localization with labelled endosomes. Furthermore, inhibition of endocytosis using incubation at 4°C or pre-treatment with inhibitors has shown minimal effects on the intracellular QD uptake.  <br/>

Peptide-mediated cytosolic internalization of luminescent quantum dots

251st National Meeting (2016)

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