Peptide-Conjugated Quantum Dots Act as the Target Marker for Human Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells

• Main Authors: Shuang-ling Li, Jing Yang, Xiao-fei Lei, Jian-na Zhang, Hong-li Yang, Kun Li, Chang-qing Xu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co KG 2016-03-01
• Series: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry
• Subjects: Nanotechnology; Quantum dots; Cyclic RGD; Targeted marking; Biocompatibility
• Online Access: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/443062

Background/Aims: In the present study, we describe a novel and straightforward approach to produce a cyclic- arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD)-peptide-conjugated quantum dot (QD) probe as an ideal target tumor biomarker. Due to its specific structure, the probe can be used for targeted imaging of pancreatic carcinoma cells. Methods: Pancreatic carcinoma cells were routinely cultured and marked with QD-RGD probe. The QD-RGD probe on the fluorescence-labeled cancer cell was observed by fluorescence microscopy and laser confocal microscopy. Cancer cell viability was detected by MTT assay after culturing with QD-RGD probe. Results: Fluorescence microscopy and laser confocal microscopy displayed that 10nmol/L QD-RGD probe was able to effectively mark pancreatic carcinoma cells. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, the quantum dot-RGD probe had unique optical and electronic properties. Conclusion: QD-RGD probe has a low cytotoxicity with an excellent optical property and biocompatibility. These findings support further evaluation of QD-RGD probes for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.