Luminescent quantum dots as cellular probes

ANYL 384

Zeev Rosenzweig, zrosenzw@uno.edu, Department of Chemistry and the Advanced Material Research Institute (AMRI), University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr, New Orleans, LA 70148
The presentation will describe the synthesis of luminescent quantum dot-based probes and their application in cellular assays. The quantum dot based probes are prepared by the covalent attachment of luminescent quantum dots and molecular organic acceptors or gold nanocrystals to the surface of micrometric polystyrene particles. These particles are also modified with antibodies that specifically recognize and attach to cancer cells. They are then used to monitor in real time the secretion or activation of membranal proteases in cancer cells, which is an important marker of cancer metastasis. The newly developed quantgum dot based assays could provide a valuable tool for cancer research and disease management.