1
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Darwish GH, Baker DV, Algar WR. Supra-Quantum Dot Assemblies to Maximize Color-Based Multiplexed Fluorescence Detection with a Smartphone Camera. ACS Sens 2023; 8:4686-4695. [PMID: 37983019 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Photoluminescence (PL) imaging and bioanalysis with smartphone-based devices are of growing interest for point-of-care/point-of-need diagnostics. Strategies for maximizing sensitivity have been explored in this context, but color multiplexing has been very limited, with its maximum level unexplored. Here, we evaluated color multiplexing with smartphone-based PL imaging by using supra-nanoparticle assemblies of quantum dots (supra-QDs). These materials were prepared as composite colors that were tailored to the red-green-blue (RGB) color space of smartphone cameras by coassembling different ratios of R-, G-, and B-emitting QDs on a silica nanoparticle scaffold. The supra-QDs were characterized and used to label cell-sized objects that were measured under flow with a smartphone-based device. Each color followed an approximately linear trajectory in the RGB space, and training of support vector machine models enabled color classification with overall accuracies ≥87% for 10-color multiplexing and better accuracies for fewer colors. Most misclassification occurred at low signal levels, such that establishing a nonclassifiable zone near the origin of RGB color space improved the overall 10-color classification accuracy to ≥94%. Similar improvements in accuracy with greater retention of data were possible with a probabilistic rather than a radial threshold. Simulations that were parameterized by experimental data suggested that ≥14-color multiplexing with accuracies ≥90% should be possible with an optimized supra-QD color set. This study is an important foundation for advancing RGB color-based multiplexing for imaging and analyses with smartphone cameras and related charge-coupled device and CMOS color image sensor technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daina V Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
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2
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Gupta R, Wang Y, Darwish GH, Poisson J, Szwarczewski A, Kim S, Traaseth C, Hudson ZM, Algar WR. Semiconducting Polymer Dots Directly Stabilized with Serum Albumin: Preparation, Characterization, and Cellular Immunolabeling. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:55456-55465. [PMID: 37983537 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) are brightly fluorescent nanoparticles of growing interest for bioanalysis and imaging. A recurring challenge with these materials is obtaining robust physical and colloidal stability and low nonspecific binding. Here, we prepared and characterized Pdots with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the stabilizing agent (BSA-Pdots) instead of a more conventionally used amphiphilic polymer, both without and with cross-linking of the protein using glutaraldehyde (BSA(GA)-Pdots) or disuccinimidyl glutarate. Characterization included fluorescence properties; colloidal stability as a function of pH, ionic strength, and solvent perturbation; shape retention and hardness; and nonspecific binding with common assay substrates, fixed cells, and live cells. These properties were contrasted with the same properties for amphiphilic polymer-stabilized Pdots and silica-coated Pdots. On balance, the BSA-stabilized Pdots were similar or more favorable in their properties, with BSA(GA)-Pdots being especially advantageous. Bioconjugation of the BSA-stabilized Pdots was possible using amine-reactive active-ester chemistry, including biotinylation and bioorthogonal functionalization for immunoconjugation via tetrazine-strained-alkene click chemistry. These approaches were used for selective fluorescent labeling of cells based on ligand-receptor and antibody-antigen binding, respectively. Overall, direct BSA stabilization is a very promising strategy for preparing Pdots with improved physical and colloidal stability, reduced nonspecific interactions, and utility for in vitro diagnostics and other bioanalyses and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Yihao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jade Poisson
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Agnes Szwarczewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Subin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Christine Traaseth
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Zachary M Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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3
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Krause KD, Rees K, Algar WR. Assessing the Steric Impact of Surface Ligands on the Proteolytic Turnover of Quantum Dot-Peptide Conjugates. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 38047551 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Proteases are important biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The advantageous properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have made these nanoparticles useful as probes for protease activity; however, the effects of QD surface chemistry on protease activity are not yet fully understood. Here, we present a systematic study of the impact of sterics on the proteolysis of QD-peptide conjugates. The study utilized eight proteases (chymotrypsin, trypsin, endoproteinase Lys C, papain, endoproteinase Arg C, thrombin, factor Xa, and plasmin) and 41 distinct surface chemistries. The latter included three molecular weights of each of three macromolecular ligands derived from dextran and polyethylene glycol, as well as anionic and zwitterionic small-molecule ligands, and an array of mixed coatings of macromolecular and small-molecule ligands. These surface chemistries spanned a diversity of thicknesses, densities, and packing organization, as characterized by gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, and infrared spectroscopy. The macromolecular ligands decreased the adsorption of proteases on the QDs and decelerated proteolysis of the QD-peptide conjugates via steric hindrance. The properties of the QD surface chemistry, rather than the protease properties, were the main factor in determining the magnitude of deceleration. The broad scope of this study provides insights into the many ways in which QD surface chemistry affects protease activity, and will inform the development of optimized nanoparticle-peptide conjugates for sensing of protease activity and resistance to unwanted proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D Krause
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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4
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Abstract
Smartphones are emerging platforms for point-of-care diagnostics (POCDs), where the on-board camera is, for example, used to image fluorescence. Many laboratory instruments are capable of time-gated (TG) photoluminescence (PL) measurements─an analytical method leveraged by multiple commercial assay kits. When paired with long-lived PL emitters such as luminescent lanthanide complexes (LLCs), time-gating eliminates background from sample autofluorescence and many other sources. This capability is amenable to minimally processed samples and would thus be useful for POCDs on a smartphone-based platform. Here, we report a double-chopper design for TG PL imaging using a portable, 3D-printed, smartphone-based device. The rotation speed, dimensions, and overlap of the chopper blades and gaps set the timing parameters, with delay times on the order of hundreds of microseconds to milliseconds. The device was capable of quantitative TG imaging of PL from terbium(III) and europium(III) LLCs, including rejection of short-lived PL background from serum and tissue phantoms, spectral and temporal multiplexing, a model time-gated Förster resonance energy transfer (TG-FRET) assay, and imaging of cells. As the first smartphone-based demonstrations of these important analytical capabilities, this work is an important foundation for developing POCD methods based on TG PL imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil S Kanani
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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5
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Tsai HY, Robidillo CJT, Matharu GK, O'Connor K, Cheong IT, Ni C, Veinot JGC, Algar WR. Spectrotemporal characterization of photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals and their energy transfer to dyes. Nanoscale 2023. [PMID: 37449921 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02461j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) are a promising material for applications in bioanalysis and imaging. Compared to other types of semiconductor nanocrystals, the development and characterization of energy transfer (ET) configurations with SiNCs has been far more limited, resulting in an equally limited understanding of this process and its SiNC-specific nuances. Here, we present a systematic and detailed study of ET between SiNCs and dyes. A combination of spectroelectrophoresis and time-gated and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements were used to characterize the photophysical properties of ensembles of SiNCs and gain insight into how these properties varied as a function of nanocrystal size. ET between SiNC donors and a series of non-fluorescent Black Hole Quencher (BHQ) dyes and fluorescent sulfo-Cyanine 5.5 dye acceptors was evaluated in terms of spectral properties, wavelength-resolved efficiencies, trends with spectral overlap integral, and differences between two methods of BHQ association with the SiNCs. The overall results were consistent with a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism where the polydispersity of the SiNCs had a significant impact on the observed ET: the choice of wavelength and timing parameters were important, and ensemble measurements represented an average of heterogeneous ET behaviors. Prospective advantages and disadvantages of SiNCs as ET donors are discussed. This study serves as a foundation for the continued and optimized development of ET configurations with SiNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1.
| | - Christopher Jay T Robidillo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
- Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Manila, P. Faura Street, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Gunwant K Matharu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Kevin O'Connor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - I Teng Cheong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Chuyi Ni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - Jonathan G C Veinot
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2G2
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1.
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6
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Darwish GH, Massey M, Daudet G, Alde LG, Algar WR. Tetrameric Antibody Complexes and Affinity Tag Peptides for the Selective Immobilization and Imaging of Single Quantum Dots. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 37243625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are of widespread interest as fluorescent labels for bioanalysis and imaging applications. Single-particle measurements have proven to be a very powerful tool for better understanding the fundamental properties and behaviors of QDs and their bioconjugates; however, a recurring challenge is the immobilization of QDs in a solution-like environment that minimizes interactions with a bulk surface. Immobilization strategies for QD-peptide conjugates are particularly underdeveloped within this context. Here, we present a novel strategy for the selective immobilization of single QD-peptide conjugates using a combination of tetrameric antibody complexes (TACs) and affinity tag peptides. A glass substrate is modified with an adsorbed layer of concanavalin A (ConA) that binds a subsequent layer of dextran that minimizes nonspecific binding. A TAC with anti-dextran and anti-affinity tag antibodies binds to the dextran-coated glass surface and to the affinity tag sequence of QD-peptide conjugates. The result is spontaneous and sequence-selective immobilization of single QDs without any chemical activation or cross-linking. Controlled immobilization of multiple colors of QDs is possible using multiple affinity tag sequences. Experiments confirmed that this approach positions the QD away from the bulk surface. The method supports real-time imaging of binding and dissociation, measurements of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), tracking of dye photobleaching, and detection of proteolytic activity. We anticipate that this immobilization strategy will be useful for studies of QD-associated photophysics, biomolecular interactions and processes, and digital assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Gabrielle Daudet
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Luis G Alde
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
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7
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Rees K, Darwish GH, Algar WR. Dextran-Functionalized Super-nanoparticle Assemblies of Quantum Dots for Enhanced Cellular Immunolabeling and Imaging. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:18672-18684. [PMID: 37018127 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a popular material for applications in bioanalysis and imaging. Although individual QDs are bright, some applications benefit from the use of even brighter materials. One approach to achieve higher brightness is to form super-nanoparticle (super-NP) assemblies of many QDs. Here, we present the preparation, characterization, and utility of dextran-functionalized super-NP assemblies of QDs. Amphiphilic dextran was synthesized and used to encapsulate many hydrophobic QDs via a simple emulsion-based method. The resulting super-NP assemblies or "super-QDs" had hydrodynamic diameters of ca. 90-160 nm, were characterized at the ensemble and single-particle levels, had orders-of-magnitude superior brightness compared to individual QDs, and were non-blinking. Additionally, binary mixtures of red, green, and blue (RGB) colors of QDs were used to prepare super-QDs, including colors difficult to obtain from individual QDs (e.g., magenta). Tetrameric antibody complexes (TACs) enabled simple antibody conjugation for selective cellular immunolabeling and imaging with both an epifluorescence microscope and a smartphone-based platform. The technical limitations of the latter platform were overcome by the increased per-particle brightness of the super-QDs, and the super-QDs outperformed individual QDs in both cases. Overall, the super-QDs are a very promising material for bioanalysis and imaging applications where brightness is paramount.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
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8
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Algar WR, Szwarczewski A, Massey M. Are We There Yet? Intracellular Sensing with Luminescent Nanoparticles and FRET. Anal Chem 2023; 95:551-559. [PMID: 36595310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Combinations of luminescent nanoparticles (LNPs) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) offer properties and features that are advantageous for sensing of biomolecular targets and activity. Despite a multitude of designs for LNP-FRET sensors, intracellular sensing applications are underdeveloped. We introduce readers to this field, summarize essential concepts, meta-analyze the literature, and offer a perspective on the bottleneck in LNP-FRET sensor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Agnes Szwarczewski
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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9
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Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a widely used fluorescence-based sensing mechanism. To date, most implementations of FRET sensors have relied on a discrete donor-acceptor pair for detection of each analytical target. FRET networks are an emerging concept in which target recognition perturbs a set of interconnected FRET pathways between multiple emitters. Here, we review the energy transfer topologies and scaffold materials for FRET networks, propose a general nomenclature, and qualitatively summarize the dynamics of the competitive, sequential, homoFRET, and heteroFRET pathways that constitute FRET networks. Implementations of FRET networks for sensing are also described, including concentric FRET probes, other single-vector multiplexing, and logic gates and switches. Unresolved questions and future research directions for current systems are discussed, as are potential but currently unexplored applications of FRET networks in sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
| | - Katherine D Krause
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
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10
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Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is widely used for the development of biological probes and sensors. In this context, the norm for multiplexed detection is deployment of multiple probes, each a discrete donor-acceptor pair. Concentric FRET (cFRET) probes enable multiplexed sensing with a single vector but, to date, have only been developed around semiconductor quantum dots, which may limit the scope of biological applications for such probes. Here, we demonstrate that dendrimers labeled with a luminescent terbium complex (Tb) are a viable and advantageous alternative platform for cFRET probes. Polyamidoamine dendrimers were functionalized with Tb, biotin, NeutrAvidin, and three types of dye-labeled oligonucleotide probes to establish a network of competitive and sequential Tb-to-dye and dye-to-dye FRET pathways. These probes were characterized physically and photophysically, and a time-gated multiplexed assay for DNA targets was demonstrated. The time-gating offered by the Tb allowed the rejection of background autofluorescence from serum. More broadly, this dendrimer-based architecture shows that cFRET is a general concept and is an important step toward a new generation of probes for biological sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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11
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Xiao Z, Darwish GH, Susumu K, Medintz IL, Algar WR. Prototype Smartphone-Based Device for Flow Cytometry with Immunolabeling via Supra-nanoparticle Assemblies of Quantum Dots. ACS Meas Sci Au 2022; 2:57-66. [PMID: 36785592 PMCID: PMC9838726 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.1c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methods for the detection, enumeration, and typing of cells are important in many areas of research and healthcare. In this context, flow cytometers are a widely used research and clinical tool but are also an example of a large and expensive instrument that is limited to specialized laboratories. Smartphones have been shown to have excellent potential to serve as portable and lower-cost platforms for analyses that would normally be done in a laboratory. Here, we developed a prototype smartphone-based flow cytometer (FC). This compact 3D-printed device incorporated a laser diode and a microfluidic flow cell and used the built-in camera of a smartphone to track immunofluorescently labeled cells in suspension and measure their color. This capability was enabled by high-brightness supra-nanoparticle assemblies of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (SiO2@QDs) as well as a support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm. The smartphone-based FC device detected and enumerated target cells against a background of other cells, simultaneously and selectively counted two different cell types in a mixture, and used multiple colors of SiO2@QD-antibody conjugates to screen for and identify a particular cell type. The potential limits of multicolor detection are discussed alongside ideas for further development. Our results suggest that innovations in materials and engineering should enable eventual smartphone-based FC assays for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhujun Xiao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H. Darwish
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kimihiro Susumu
- Jacobs
Corporation, Hanover, Maryland 21076, United
States
- Optical
Sciences Division, Code 5600, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center
for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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12
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Abstract
Russ Algar, Tim Albrecht, Karen Faulds and Jun-Jie Zhu introduce the Analyst themed collection on analytical nanoscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6 T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Tim Albrecht
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Campus, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Karen Faulds
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, UK
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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13
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Mayder DM, Tonge CM, Nguyen GD, Tran MV, Tom G, Darwish GH, Gupta R, Lix K, Kamal S, Algar WR, Burke SA, Hudson ZM. Polymer Dots with Enhanced Photostability, Quantum Yield, and Two-Photon Cross-Section using Structurally Constrained Deep-Blue Fluorophores. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:16976-16992. [PMID: 34618454 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) have emerged as versatile probes for bioanalysis and imaging at the single-particle level. Despite their utility in multiplexed analysis, deep blue Pdots remain rare due to their need for high-energy excitation and sensitivity to photobleaching. Here, we describe the design of deep blue fluorophores using structural constraints to improve resistance to photobleaching, two-photon absorption cross sections, and fluorescence quantum yields using the hexamethylazatriangulene motif. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to characterize the electronic structure of these chromophores on the atomic scale as well as their intrinsic stability. The most promising fluorophore was functionalized with a polymerizable acrylate handle and used to give deep-blue fluorescent acrylic polymers with Mn > 18 kDa and Đ < 1.2. Nanoprecipitation with amphiphilic polystyrene-graft-(carboxylate-terminated poly(ethylene glycol)) gave water-soluble Pdots with blue fluorescence, quantum yields of 0.81, and molar absorption coefficients of (4 ± 2) × 108 M-1 cm-1. This high brightness facilitated single-particle visualization with dramatically improved signal-to-noise ratio and photobleaching resistance versus an unencapsulated dye. The Pdots were then conjugated with antibodies for immunolabeling of SK-BR3 human breast cancer cells, which were imaged using deep blue fluorescence in both one- and two-photon excitation modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don M Mayder
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher M Tonge
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Giang D Nguyen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada.,Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gary Tom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada.,Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Saeid Kamal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah A Burke
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, 6224 Agricultural Road, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada.,Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zachary M Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Paisley NR, Halldorson SV, Tran MV, Gupta R, Kamal S, Algar WR, Hudson ZM. Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Boron‐Difluoride‐Curcuminoid‐Based Polymers Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence as Biological Imaging Probes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202103965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Paisley
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Sarah V. Halldorson
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Michael V. Tran
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Saeid Kamal
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
| | - Zachary M. Hudson
- Department of Chemistry The University of British Columbia 2036 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Canada
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Christopherson CJ, Paisley NR, Xiao Z, Algar WR, Hudson ZM. Red-Emissive Cell-Penetrating Polymer Dots Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence for Cellular Imaging. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:13342-13349. [PMID: 34382775 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence imaging in living cells is key to understanding many biological processes, yet autofluorescence from the sample can lower sensitivity and hinder high-resolution imaging. Time-gated measurements using phosphorescent metal complexes can improve imaging, at the cost of potential toxicity from the use of heavy metals. Here, we describe orange/red-emitting polymer dots (Pdots) exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) for time-gated imaging. Inspired by the cell invasion mechanism of the HIV TAT protein, the Pdots were formed from block copolymers composed of a hydrophilic guanidine-rich block as a cell-penetrating peptide mimic, and a rigid organic semiconductor block to provide efficient delayed fluorescence. These all-organic polymer nanoparticles were shown to efficiently enter HeLa, CHO, and HepG2 cells within 30 min, with cell viabilities remaining high for Pdot concentrations up to 25 mg mL-1. Pdot quantum yields were as high as 0.17 in aerated water, with the Pdot structure effectively shielding the TADF emitters from quenching by oxygen. Colocalization experiments revealed that the Pdots primarily accumulate outside of lysosomes, minimizing lysosomal degradation. When used for fixed cellular imaging, Pdot-incubated cells showed high signal-to-background ratios compared to control samples with no Pdot exposure. Using time-resolved spectroscopy, the delayed emission of the TADF materials was effectively separated from that of both a biological serum and a secondary fluorescent dye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheyenne J Christopherson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - Nathan R Paisley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - Zhujun Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - Zachary M Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
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16
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Algar WR, Massey M, Rees K, Higgins R, Krause KD, Darwish GH, Peveler WJ, Xiao Z, Tsai HY, Gupta R, Lix K, Tran MV, Kim H. Photoluminescent Nanoparticles for Chemical and Biological Analysis and Imaging. Chem Rev 2021; 121:9243-9358. [PMID: 34282906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research related to the development and application of luminescent nanoparticles (LNPs) for chemical and biological analysis and imaging is flourishing. Novel materials and new applications continue to be reported after two decades of research. This review provides a comprehensive and heuristic overview of this field. It is targeted to both newcomers and experts who are interested in a critical assessment of LNP materials, their properties, strengths and weaknesses, and prospective applications. Numerous LNP materials are cataloged by fundamental descriptions of their chemical identities and physical morphology, quantitative photoluminescence (PL) properties, PL mechanisms, and surface chemistry. These materials include various semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene derivatives, carbon dots, nanodiamonds, luminescent metal nanoclusters, lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles and downshifting nanoparticles, triplet-triplet annihilation nanoparticles, persistent-luminescence nanoparticles, conjugated polymer nanoparticles and semiconducting polymer dots, multi-nanoparticle assemblies, and doped and labeled nanoparticles, including but not limited to those based on polymers and silica. As an exercise in the critical assessment of LNP properties, these materials are ranked by several application-related functional criteria. Additional sections highlight recent examples of advances in chemical and biological analysis, point-of-care diagnostics, and cellular, tissue, and in vivo imaging and theranostics. These examples are drawn from the recent literature and organized by both LNP material and the particular properties that are leveraged to an advantage. Finally, a perspective on what comes next for the field is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rehan Higgins
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Katherine D Krause
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - William J Peveler
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K
| | - Zhujun Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hsin-Yun Tsai
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hyungki Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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Paisley NR, Halldorson SV, Tran MV, Gupta R, Kamal S, Algar WR, Hudson ZM. Near-Infrared-Emitting Boron-Difluoride-Curcuminoid-Based Polymers Exhibiting Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence as Biological Imaging Probes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18630-18638. [PMID: 34133838 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Near-infrared-emitting polymers were prepared using four boron-difluoride-curcuminoid-based monomers using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Well-defined polymers with molecular weights of ≈20 kDa and dispersities <1.07 were produced and exhibited near-infrared (NIR) emission in solution and in the solid state with photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL ) as high as 0.72 and 0.18, respectively. Time-resolved emission spectroscopy revealed thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in polymers containing highly planar dopants, whereas room-temperature phosphorescence dominated with twisted species. Density functional theory demonstrated that rotation about the donor-acceptor linker can give rise to TADF, even where none would be expected based on calculations using ground-state geometries. Incorporation of TADF-active materials into water-soluble polymer dots (Pdots) gave NIR-emissive nanoparticles, and conjugation of these Pdots with antibodies enabled immunofluorescent labeling of SK-BR3 human breast-cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R Paisley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Sarah V Halldorson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Saeid Kamal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Zachary M Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1, Canada
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18
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Kim H, Tran MV, Petryayeva E, Solodova O, Susumu K, Oh E, Medintz IL, Algar WR. Affinity Immobilization of Semiconductor Quantum Dots and Metal Nanoparticles on Cellulose Paper Substrates. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:53462-53474. [PMID: 33180467 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c14559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), metal nanoparticles, and cellulose paper are materials with numerous applications in bioanalysis and beyond. The functional properties of QDs and metal NPs are substantially different than those of cellulose, such that their integration with cellulose paper is potentially enabling for many applications. Here, we characterize and evaluate multiple chemistries that modify cellulose paper substrates for the affinity-based immobilization of QDs, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), and platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). These chemistries include grafting of cellulose fibers with imidazole and dithiol groups, as well as the aminosilanization of cellulose fibers (both with and without subsequent grafting with dithiol groups). Cellulose modifications and nanoparticle immobilization are characterized by multiple techniques, including, but not limited to, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical imaging, extinction, and fluorescence measurements. We demonstrate the on-paper immobilization of color-tuned mixtures of QDs, on-paper patterning of QDs by microcontact printing, and post-immobilization enhancement of energy transfer and model assays of protease activity. The robustness of QD photoluminescence is also evaluated between immobilization chemistries. Paper-immobilized Au NPs and Pt NPs are evaluated as potential substrates for SERS and as supported catalysts for a model decolorization reaction. Our cumulative results indicate that there may not be a one-size-fits-all immobilization chemistry. Instead, the immobilization chemistry should be tailored and optimized for the downstream application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungki Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Eleonora Petryayeva
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Olga Solodova
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kimihiro Susumu
- Jacobs Corporation, Hanover, Maryland 21076, United States
- Optical Sciences Division, Code 5600, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Eunkeu Oh
- Optical Sciences Division, Code 5600, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Igor L Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
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19
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Darwish GH, Asselin J, Tran MV, Gupta R, Kim H, Boudreau D, Algar WR. Fully Self-Assembled Silica Nanoparticle-Semiconductor Quantum Dot Supra-Nanoparticles and Immunoconjugates for Enhanced Cellular Imaging by Microscopy and Smartphone Camera. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:33530-33540. [PMID: 32672938 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing need for brighter luminescent materials to improve the detection and imaging of biomarkers. Relevant contexts include low-abundance biomarkers and technology-limited applications, where an example of the latter is the emerging use of smartphones and other nonoptimal but low-cost and portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics. One approach to achieving brighter luminescent materials is incorporating multiple copies of a luminescent material into a larger supra-nanoparticle (supra-NP) assembly. Here, we present a facile method for the preparation and immunoconjugation of supra-NP assemblies (SiO2@QDs) that comprised many quantum dots (QDs) around a central silica nanoparticle (SiO2 NP). The assembly was entirely driven by spontaneous affinity interactions between the constituent materials, which included imidazoline-functionalized silica nanoparticles, ligand-coated QDs, imidazole-functionalized dextran, and tetrameric antibody complexes (TACs). The physical and optical properties of the SiO2@QDs were characterized at both the ensemble and single-particle levels. Notably, the optical properties of the QDs were preserved upon assembly into supra-NPs, and single SiO2@QDs were approximately an order of magnitude brighter than single QDs and nonblinking. In proof-of-concept applications, including selective immunolabeling of breast cancer cells, the SiO2@QDs provided higher sensitivity and superior signal-to-background ratios whether using research-grade fluorescence microscopy or smartphone-based imaging. Overall, the SiO2@QDs are promising materials for enhanced bioanalysis and imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghinwa H Darwish
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jérémie Asselin
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Département de chimie et Centre d'optique, photonique et laser (COPL), Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michael V Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hyungki Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Denis Boudreau
- Département de chimie et Centre d'optique, photonique et laser (COPL), Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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21
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Rees K, Tran MV, Massey M, Kim H, Krause KD, Algar WR. Dextran-Functionalized Semiconductor Quantum Dot Bioconjugates for Bioanalysis and Imaging. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:861-874. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rees
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Michael V. Tran
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Melissa Massey
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hyungki Kim
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Katherine D. Krause
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- University of British Columbia, Department of Chemistry, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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22
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Tonge CM, Paisley NR, Polgar AM, Lix K, Algar WR, Hudson ZM. Color-Tunable Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Oxadiazole-Based Acrylic Copolymers: Photophysical Properties and Applications in Ratiometric Oxygen Sensing. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:6525-6535. [PMID: 31989816 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b22464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-based emitters are a promising route to the production of low-cost, scalable solution-processable luminescent materials. Here we describe a series of acrylic oxadiazole-based donor-acceptor monomers with tunable emission from blue to orange, with quantum yields as high as 96%. By introducing structural constraints that limit donor-acceptor orbital overlap, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) was observed in these materials. Polymerization by Cu(0) reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) gave high-molecular-weight copolymers (Mn > 20 kDa) with dispersities ranging from 1.10 to 1.45, using a room-temperature procedure with Cu wire as a catalyst. One of these materials, which had phenothiazine as donor moiety, exhibited conformationally dependent dual emission, giving a mixture of prompt fluorescence and delayed fluorescence peaks, whose relative ratios varied based on the amount of O2 present during measurement. We demonstrate that this material can combine prompt and delayed fluorescence to act as a single-component, all-organic, ratiometric oxygen sensor without external calibrant. Application to ratiometric oxygen sensing is demonstrated both using a polymer thin film and via incorporation of this material into water-soluble polymer dots (Pdots), with a ratiometric response to O2 throughout the range of partial pressures relevant to biological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Tonge
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Nathan R Paisley
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Alexander M Polgar
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Zachary M Hudson
- Department of Chemistry , The University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada V6T 1Z1
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23
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Wang Y, Wang H, Tran MV, Algar WR, Li H. Yellow fluorescent protein-based label-free tension sensors for monitoring integrin tension. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:5556-5559. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc01635g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Yellow fluorescent protein serves as a label-free tension sensor to monitor integrin tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Wang
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Michael V. Tran
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
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24
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Lix K, Tran MV, Massey M, Rees K, Sauvé ER, Hudson ZM, Algar WR. Dextran Functionalization of Semiconducting Polymer Dots and Conjugation with Tetrameric Antibody Complexes for Bioanalysis and Imaging. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2019; 3:432-440. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Michael V. Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Ethan R. Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Zachary M. Hudson
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z1
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25
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Algar WR, Hildebrandt N, Vogel SS, Medintz IL. FRET as a biomolecular research tool — understanding its potential while avoiding pitfalls. Nat Methods 2019; 16:815-829. [DOI: 10.1038/s41592-019-0530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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26
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Tran MV, Susumu K, Medintz IL, Algar WR. Supraparticle Assemblies of Magnetic Nanoparticles and Quantum Dots for Selective Cell Isolation and Counting on a Smartphone-Based Imaging Platform. Anal Chem 2019; 91:11963-11971. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael V. Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Kimihiro Susumu
- KeyW Corporation, Hanover, Maryland 21076, United States
- Optical Sciences Division, Code 5600, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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27
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Gupta R, Peveler WJ, Lix K, Algar WR. Comparison of Semiconducting Polymer Dots and Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Smartphone-Based Fluorescence Assays. Anal Chem 2019; 91:10955-10960. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rupsa Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - William J. Peveler
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kelsi Lix
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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28
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Tsai HY, Kim H, Massey M, Krause KD, Algar WR. Concentric FRET: a review of the emerging concept, theory, and applications. Methods Appl Fluoresc 2019; 7:042001. [DOI: 10.1088/2050-6120/ab2b2f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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29
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Algar WR, Jeen T, Massey M, Peveler WJ, Asselin J. Small Surface, Big Effects, and Big Challenges: Toward Understanding Enzymatic Activity at the Inorganic Nanoparticle-Substrate Interface. Langmuir 2019; 35:7067-7091. [PMID: 30415548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes are important biomarkers for molecular diagnostics and targets for the action of drugs. In turn, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are of interest as materials for biological assays, biosensors, cellular and in vivo imaging probes, and vectors for drug delivery and theranostics. So how does an enzyme interact with a NP, and what are the outcomes of multivalent conjugation of its substrate to a NP? This invited feature article addresses the current state of the art in answering this question. Using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as illustrative materials, we discuss aspects of enzyme structure-function and the properties of NP interfaces and surface chemistry that determine enzyme-NP interactions. These aspects render the substrate-on-NP configurations far more complex and heterogeneous than the conventional turnover of discrete substrate molecules in bulk solution. Special attention is also given to the limitations of a standard kinetic analysis of the enzymatic turnover of these configurations, the need for a well-defined model of turnover, and whether a "hopping" model can account for behaviors such as the apparent acceleration of enzyme activity. A detailed and predictive understanding of how enzymes turn over multivalent NP-substrate conjugates will require a convergence of many concepts and tools from biochemistry, materials, and interface science. In turn, this understanding will help to enable rational, optimized, and value-added designs of NP bioconjugates for biomedical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Tiffany Jeen
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
| | - William J Peveler
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8LT , United Kingdom
| | - Jérémie Asselin
- Department of Chemistry , University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall , Vancouver , British Columbia V6T 1Z1 , Canada
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30
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Sangtani A, Petryayeva E, Susumu K, Oh E, Huston AL, Lasarte-Aragones G, Medintz IL, Algar WR, Delehanty JB. Nanoparticle–Peptide–Drug Bioconjugates for Unassisted Defeat of Multidrug Resistance in a Model Cancer Cell Line. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:525-530. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ajmeeta Sangtani
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eleonora Petryayeva
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | | | - Eunkeu Oh
- KeyW Corporation, Hanover, Maryland 21076, United States
| | | | | | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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31
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Kim H, Jeen T, Tran MV, Algar WR. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of semiconductor quantum dots and their bioconjugates: materials characterization and physical insights from spectrofluorimetric detection. Analyst 2019; 143:1104-1116. [PMID: 29387848 DOI: 10.1039/c7an01581j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal semiconductor quantum dot (QD) nanocrystals have ideal fluorescence properties for bioanalysis and bioimaging, but these materials must be functionalized with an inorganic shell, organic ligand or polymer coating, and conjugated with biomolecules to be useful in such applications. Several different analytical techniques are used to characterize QDs and their multiple layers of functionalization. Here, we revisit poly(acrylamide) gel electrophoresis (PAGE), which has been scarcely used for the characterization of QDs and their bioconjugates in deference to the routine use of agarose gel electrophoresis. We implemented PAGE in a novel "stubby" capillary format with spectrofluorimetric detection, the combination of which enabled more rapid and more detailed characterization of QDs than was possible with both poly(acrylamide) and agarose slab gels. Correlations between the peak photoluminescence (PL) emission wavelength and electropherogram peaks, especially when combined with Ferguson analysis, provided new and significant insight into the key factors that determine the electrophoretic mobility of QDs, and helped to resolve heterogeneity and sub-populations in ensembles of QDs. The method was useful for characterization of the inorganic core/shell nanocrystals, their organic ligand and polymer coatings, and their final bioconjugates, the latter of which were in the form of peptide and protein conjugates. With further development and optimization, we anticipate that capillary PAGE with spectrofluorimetric detection will become a valuable addition to the toolbox of characterization techniques suitable for QDs, their bioconjugates, and other nanoparticle materials as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungki Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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32
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Peveler WJ, Jia H, Jeen T, Rees K, Macdonald TJ, Xia Z, Chio WIK, Moorthy S, Parkin IP, Carmalt CJ, Algar WR, Lee TC. Cucurbituril-mediated quantum dot aggregates formed by aqueous self-assembly for sensing applications. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:5495-5498. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc00410f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular ‘gluing’ of quantum dots is demonstrated with cucurbituril and we present the opportunity to create molecular host–guest sensing schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Peveler
- Division of Biomedical Engineering
- School of Engineering
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow
- UK
| | - Hui Jia
- Institute for Materials Discovery
- University College London (UCL)
- UK
| | - Tiffany Jeen
- Department of Chemistry
- 2036 Main Mall
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Kelly Rees
- Department of Chemistry
- 2036 Main Mall
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | | | - Zhicheng Xia
- Department of Chemistry
- 2036 Main Mall
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Weng-I Katherine Chio
- Institute for Materials Discovery
- University College London (UCL)
- UK
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London (UCL)
| | - Suresh Moorthy
- Institute for Materials Discovery
- University College London (UCL)
- UK
| | - Ivan P. Parkin
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London (UCL)
- London
- UK
| | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry
- 2036 Main Mall
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - Tung-Chun Lee
- Institute for Materials Discovery
- University College London (UCL)
- UK
- Department of Chemistry
- University College London (UCL)
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Jeen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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34
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Abstract
Fluorescence is a powerful and sensitive tool in biological detection, used widely for cellular imaging and in vitro molecular diagnostics. Over time, three prominent conventions have emerged in the design of fluorescent biosensors: a sensor is ideally specific for its target, only one fluorescence signal turns on or off in response to the target, and each target requires its own sensor and signal combination. These are conventions but not requirements, and sensors that break with one or more of these conventions can offer new capabilities and advantages. Here, we review "unconventional" fluorescent sensor configurations based on fluorescent dyes, proteins, and nanomaterials such as quantum dots and metal nanoclusters. These configurations include multifluorophore Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) networks, temporal multiplexing, photonic logic, and cross-reactive arrays or "noses". The more complex but carefully engineered biorecognition and fluorescence signaling modalities in unconventional designs are richer in information, afford greater multiplexing capacity, and are potentially better suited to the analysis of complex biological samples, interactions, processes, and diseases. We conclude with a short perspective on the future of unconventional fluorescent sensors and encourage researchers to imagine sensing beyond the metaphorical light bulb and light switch combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Peveler
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, U.K
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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35
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Oh E, Delehanty JB, Klug CA, Susumu K, Russ Algar W, Goswami R, Medintz IL. Utility of PEGylated dithiolane ligands for direct synthesis of water-soluble Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Cu and AuPt nanoparticles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:1956-1959. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cc08650d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of small PEGylated dithiolane molecules to produce a variety of metallic nanoparticles directly in water is highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkeu Oh
- KeyW Corporation
- Hanover
- USA
- Optical Sciences Division
- Code 5611
| | - James B. Delehanty
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering
- Code 6900
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
- Washington
- USA
| | | | - Kimihiro Susumu
- KeyW Corporation
- Hanover
- USA
- Optical Sciences Division
- Code 5611
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering
- Code 6900
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
- Washington
- USA
| | - Ramasis Goswami
- Multifunctional Materials
- Code 6355
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
- Washington
- USA
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering
- Code 6900
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
- Washington
- USA
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36
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Sangtani A, Petryayeva E, Wu M, Susumu K, Oh E, Huston AL, Lasarte-Aragones G, Medintz IL, Algar WR, Delehanty JB. Intracellularly Actuated Quantum Dot–Peptide–Doxorubicin Nanobioconjugates for Controlled Drug Delivery via the Endocytic Pathway. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 29:136-148. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ajmeeta Sangtani
- Fischell
Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Eleonora Petryayeva
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6T 1Z1
| | - Miao Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6T 1Z1
| | | | - Eunkeu Oh
- KeyW Corporation, Hanover, Maryland 21076, United States
| | | | | | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6T 1Z1
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37
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Petryayeva E, Jeen T, Algar WR. Optimization and Changes in the Mode of Proteolytic Turnover of Quantum Dot-Peptide Substrate Conjugates through Moderation of Interfacial Adsorption. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2017; 9:30359-30372. [PMID: 28846381 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b07519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes have many important roles in biology and industry, and proteases are one of the most important classes of enzymes. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are attractive materials for developing protease activity probes because of their advantageous physical and optical properties; however, interactions between a protease and a QD conjugated with its substrate can affect the turnover of that substrate. Here, we study the turnover of multivalent QD-peptide substrate conjugates as a function of multiple parameters: (i) the ligand coating on the QD, including dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), glutathione (GSH), DHLA-poly(ethylene glycol) (DHLA-PEG), and DHLA-zwitterionic sulfobetaine (DHLA-SB); (ii) the identity of the protease, including trypsin, thrombin, and plasmin; and (iii) the number of substrate and nonsubstrate biomacromolecules conjugated per QD. We show that limiting protease adsorption on QDs is critical for optimizing the turnover of conjugated peptide substrates. Protease adsorption is inhibitory, and very strong adsorption leads to an apparent "scooting" mode of activity with limited turnover. In contrast, with weaker adsorption, enhancements in the turnover rate likely result from a "hopping" mode of activity. The putative hopping mode is thought to feature processive turnover of all substrates in multivalent conjugates with a rate-limiting step of diffusion between individual conjugates, and the magnitude of such enhancements increases with decreases in adsorption. Although it was possible to passivate DHLA- and GSH-coated QDs with high densities of conjugated biomacromolecules, the most effective strategy for reducing adsorption was the substitution of these ligands. Whereas passivation incrementally increased turnover, DHLA-PEG and DHLA-SB ligands converted the mode of turnover with plasmin from scooting to hopping and the DHLA-SB enhanced the turnover rates with thrombin and trypsin by approximately an order of magnitude relative to GSH ligands. The new insights from the broad scope of this study provide an important framework for designing optimized QD conjugates as probes and sensors for enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Petryayeva
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Tiffany Jeen
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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38
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Abstract
Molecular logic devices (MLDs) constructed from DNA are promising for applications in bioanalysis, computing, and other applications requiring Boolean logic. These MLDs accept oligonucleotide inputs and generate fluorescence output through changes in structure. Although fluorescent dyes are most common in MLD designs, nontraditional luminescent materials with unique optical properties can potentially enhance MLD capabilities. In this context, luminescent lanthanide complexes (LLCs) have been largely overlooked. Here, we demonstrate a set of high-contrast DNA photonic logic gates based on toehold-mediated strand displacement and time-gated FRET. The gates include NAND, NOR, OR, and AND designs that accept two unlabeled target oligonucleotide sequences as inputs. Bright "true" output states utilize time-gated, FRET-sensitized emission from an Alexa Fluor 546 (A546) dye acceptor paired with a luminescent terbium cryptate (Tb) donor. Dark "false" output states are generated through either displacement of the A546, or through competitive and sequential quenching of the Tb or A546 by a dark quencher. Time-gated FRET and the long luminescence lifetime and spectrally narrow emission lines of the Tb donor enable 4-10-fold contrast between Boolean outputs, ≤10% signal variation for a common output, multicolor implementation of two logic gates in parallel, and effective performance in buffer and serum. These metrics exceed those reported for many other logic gate designs with only fluorescent dyes and with other non-LLC materials. Preliminary three-input AND and NAND gates are also demonstrated. The powerful combination of an LLC FRET donor with DNA-based logic gates is anticipated to have many future applications in bioanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Massey
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | | | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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39
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Zhang J, Scott WRP, Gabel F, Wu M, Desmond R, Bae J, Zaccai G, Algar WR, Straus SK. On the quest for the elusive mechanism of action of daptomycin: Binding, fusion, and oligomerization. Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteom 2017; 1865:1490-1499. [PMID: 28844744 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Daptomycin, sold under the trade name CUBICIN, is the first lipopeptide antibiotic to be approved for use against Gram-positive organisms, including a number of highly resistant species. Over the last few decades, a number of studies have tried to pinpoint the mechanism of action of daptomycin. These proposed modes of action often have points in common (e.g. the requirement for Ca2+ and lipid membranes containing a high proportion of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) headgroups), but also points of divergence (e.g. oligomerization in solution and in membranes, membrane perturbation vs. inhibition of cell envelope synthesis). In this study, we investigate how concentration effects may have an impact on the interpretation of the biophysical data used to support a given mechanism of action. Results obtained from small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that daptomycin oligomerizes at high concentrations (both with and without Ca2+) in solution, but that this oligomer readily falls apart. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) experiments demonstrate that daptomycin causes fusion more readily in DMPC/PG membranes than in POPC/PG, suggesting that the latter may be a better model system. Finally, fluorescence and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments reveal that daptomycin binds strongly to the lipid membrane and that oligomerization occurs in a concentration-dependent manner. The combined experiments provide an improved framework for more general and rigorous biophysical studies toward understanding the elusive mechanism of action of daptomycin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biophysics in Canada, edited by Lewis Kay, John Baenziger, Albert Berghuis and Peter Tieleman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Walter R P Scott
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Frank Gabel
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble Cedex 1, France; Institut Laue Langevin, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Miao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ruqaiba Desmond
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - JungHwan Bae
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Zaccai
- Institut Laue Langevin, 6 rue Jules Horowitz, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| | - Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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40
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Wegner KD, Tran MV, Massey M, Algar WR. Chapter 2. Quantum Dots in the Analysis of Food Safety and Quality. Food Chemistry, Function and Analysis 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788010528-00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Proteolysis has many important roles in physiological regulation. It is involved in numerous cell signaling processes and the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancers. Methods of visualizing and assaying proteolytic activity are therefore in demand. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes offer several advantages in this respect. FRET supports end-point or real-time measurements, does not require washing or separation steps, and can be implemented in various assay or imaging formats. In this chapter, we describe methodology for preparing self-assembled concentric FRET (cFRET) probes for multiplexed tracking and imaging of proteolytic activity. The cFRET probe comprises a green-emitting semiconductor quantum dot (QD) conjugated with multiple copies of two different peptide substrates for two target proteases. The peptide substrates are labeled with different fluorescent dyes, Alexa Fluor 555 and Alexa Fluor 647, and FRET occurs between the QD and both dyes, as well as between the two dyes. This design enables a single QD probe to track the activity of two proteases simultaneously. Fundamental cFRET theory is presented, and procedures for using the cFRET probe for quantitative measurement of the activity of two model proteases are given, including calibration, fluorescence plate reader or microscope imaging assays, and data analysis. Sufficient detail is provided for other researchers to adapt this method to their specific requirements and proteolytic systems of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Massey
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - Jia Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1
| | - W Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z1.
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42
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Algar WR, Khachatrian A, Melinger JS, Huston AL, Stewart MH, Susumu K, Blanco-Canosa JB, Oh E, Dawson PE, Medintz IL. Concurrent Modulation of Quantum Dot Photoluminescence Using a Combination of Charge Transfer and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer: Competitive Quenching and Multiplexed Biosensing Modality. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 139:363-372. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b11042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Ani Khachatrian
- Sotera Defense Solutions, Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States
| | | | | | | | - Kimihiro Susumu
- Sotera Defense Solutions, Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States
| | - Juan B. Blanco-Canosa
- Departments
of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Eunkeu Oh
- Sotera Defense Solutions, Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Departments
of Chemistry and Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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43
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Hildebrandt N, Spillmann CM, Algar WR, Pons T, Stewart MH, Oh E, Susumu K, Díaz SA, Delehanty JB, Medintz IL. Energy Transfer with Semiconductor Quantum Dot Bioconjugates: A Versatile Platform for Biosensing, Energy Harvesting, and Other Developing Applications. Chem Rev 2016; 117:536-711. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Niko Hildebrandt
- NanoBioPhotonics
Institut d’Electronique Fondamentale (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, 91400 Orsay, France
| | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Thomas Pons
- LPEM;
ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University; CNRS; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, F-75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Eunkeu Oh
- Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States
| | - Kimihiro Susumu
- Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States
| | - Sebastian A. Díaz
- American Society for Engineering Education, Washington, DC 20036, United States
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44
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Petryayeva E, Algar WR. A job for quantum dots: use of a smartphone and 3D-printed accessory for all-in-one excitation and imaging of photoluminescence. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:2913-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-9300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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45
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Li JJ, Algar WR. A long-wavelength quantum dot-concentric FRET configuration: characterization and application in a multiplexed hybridization assay. Analyst 2016; 141:3636-47. [DOI: 10.1039/c6an00492j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Quantum dot-based concentric Förster resonance energy transfer (cFRET) is a promising modality for the development of multifunctional fluorescent probes for bioanalysis and bioimaging. A new long-wavelength configuration and multiplexed hybridization assay format expands the scope of cFRET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry
- University of British Columbia
- Vancouver
- Canada
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46
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Massey M, Ancona MG, Medintz IL, Algar WR. Time-Resolved Nucleic Acid Hybridization Beacons Utilizing Unimolecular and Toehold-Mediated Strand Displacement Designs. Anal Chem 2015; 87:11923-31. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b03618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Massey
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | | | | | - W. Russ Algar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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47
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Massey M, Wu M, Conroy EM, Algar WR. Mind your P's and Q's: the coming of age of semiconducting polymer dots and semiconductor quantum dots in biological applications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2015; 34:30-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - W. Russ Algar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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49
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Abstract
The development of nanoparticle-based bioassays is an active and promising area of research, where point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are one of many prospective applications. Unfortunately, the majority of nanoparticle-based assays that have been developed to date have failed to address two important considerations for POC applications: use of instrumentation amenable to POC settings, and measurement of analytes in biological sample matrices such as serum and whole blood. To address these considerations, we present design criteria and demonstrate proof-of-concept for a semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-based assay format that utilizes smartphone readout for the single-step, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based detection of hydrolase activity in serum and whole blood, using thrombin as a model analyte. Important design criteria for assay development included (i) the size and emission wavelength of the QDs, which had to balance brightness for smartphone imaging, optical transmission through blood samples, and FRET efficiency for signaling; (ii) the wavelength of a light-emitting diode (LED) excitation source, which had to balance transmission through blood and the efficiency of excitation of QDs; and (iii) the use of an array of paper-in-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-on-glass sample chips to reproducibly limit the optical path length through blood to ca. 250 μm and permit multiplexing. Ultimately, CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs with peak emission at 630 nm were conjugated with Alexa Fluor 647-labeled peptide substrates for thrombin and immobilized on paper test strips inside the sample cells. This FRET system was sensitive to thrombin activity, where the recovery of QD emission with hydrolytic loss of FRET permitted kinetic assays in buffer, serum and whole blood. Quantitative results were obtained in less than 30 min with a limit of detection 18 NIH units mL(-1) of activity in 12 μL of whole blood. Proof-of-concept for a competitive binding assay was also demonstrated with the same platform. Overall, this work demonstrates that the integration of QDs with smartphones and other consumer electronics can potentiate bioassays that are highly amenable to future point-of-care diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Petryayeva
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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50
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Wu M, Algar WR. Acceleration of proteolytic activity associated with selection of thiol ligand coatings on quantum dots. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2015; 7:2535-2545. [PMID: 25607728 DOI: 10.1021/am507466b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle bioconjugates are attractive probes for measuring the activity of hydrolytic enzymes. In these configurations, the localization of multiple copies of a hydrolase substrate to a nanoparticle scaffold has been reported to enhance apparent activity by factors of 2 to 3 compared to that for equivalent amounts of substrate in bulk solution. Here, we studied the effect of surface chemistry on protease activity using multivalent QD-peptide substrate conjugates as a model system. QDs were coated with cysteine (CYS), glutathione (GSH), dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), or 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) ligands, and thrombin and trypsin were used as model proteases. Proteolytic activity was measured for different combinations of ligand and protease using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assays. The highest levels of activity were observed with CYS and GSH coatings, and the lowest levels of activity were observed with DHLA and MPA coatings. In all cases, proteolytic activity was accelerated compared to that for an equivalent amount of substrate in bulk solution, with up to 80- and 65-fold increases in the apparent specificity constants for thrombin and trypsin, respectively. Thrombin was more strongly affected by the QD surface chemistry, with up to a 50-fold variation in its apparent specificity constant between ligand coatings, whereas only a 5-fold variation was observed with trypsin. These trends were correlated to adsorption of the proteases on the QDs and are discussed in the context of the physicochemical properties of both components. This work clearly indicates a critical role for the nanoparticle interface in mediating substrate turnover and provides some of the strongest support to date for a so-called hopping model of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia , 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
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