1 research outputs found
Multicolored Protein Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cell Uptake
Synthesis,
characterization, and applications of strongly fluorescent,
multicolored protein nanoparticles (GlowDots) are reported here. Bovine
serum albumin was cross-linked under controlled conditions to form
nanoparticles, where particle size was controlled from 20 to 100 ±
10 nm by choosing appropriate reaction conditions. The absorption
as well as the emission wavelengths were controlled without changing
the particle size, unlike quantum dots. Each GlowDot was loaded with
up to 214 ± 50 chromophores, and hence, the particles have high
molar absorptivities (10<sup>6</sup> M<sup>–1</sup> cm<sup>–1</sup>) as well as high brightness (10<sup>5</sup> to 10<sup>6</sup> M<sup>–1</sup> cm<sup>–1</sup>). A large number
of functional groups cover the particle surface and these are further
functionalized to enhance cellular uptake. GlowDots that were labeled
with fluorescein and functionalized with taurine, for example, were
quickly taken up by HeLa, MDA-MB-231, PC3, and L6 myoblast cells,
as interrogated by fluorescence imaging studies. GlowDots were biocompatible,
size tunable, biodegradable, strongly fluorescent, and stable for
months at room temperature, and they may serve as substitutes for
quantum dots in a variety of practical applications