Ma X., Liang X., Liu L., Hu X., Fan J.
Northwest University, CN
Keywords: nanomaterials, proteins, quantum dots, safety, structural change
The nano-scale material, quantum dots (QDs), has been widely used in biological labels, imaging of fixed cells and tissues due to their excellent properties, such as small size, large surface area, good photostability, and negligible photobleaching in comparison with dyes. However, researchers found QDs` toxicity was the potential risk to human health and environment, which leads to their application limitation. Questions soon arose regarding the suitable of these materials as biological labels and whether they are safe or not. Herein, we have researched the interaction mechanism between CdTe QDs and proteins (human serum albumin and lysozme) by fluorescence spectroscopy combined with UV spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy under simulative physiological conditions.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2013: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 213 - 216
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0586-2