PI | Institution | Title | IMAT Award Type |
---|---|---|---|
Robert Daniels Marcel Bruchez |
Quantum Dot Corporation | Sensitive, Multiplexed Analysis of Breast Cancer Markers | R44 |
Quantum dot (Qdot) nanocrystals have strong photostability, which lets them detect low-abundance antigens. Because the nanocrystals have narrow and symmetric emission spectra, they can also be used for multicolor, multiplexed fluorescence detection using one excitation source, such as the 405-nm laser. Qdot streptavidin conjugates take advantage of the photostability of Qdot nanocrystals and streptavidin’s very specific binding properties so they can be used as fluorescence detection reagents in tissue-labeling and flow-cytometry experiments. Unlike conventional dye conjugates, the Qdot streptavidin conjugates can be excited efficiently using the 405-nm violet laser, and Qdot nanocrystal fluorescence resists photobleaching.
An IMAT award contributed to the development of Qdot-protein conjugates. The goals of the IMAT award were to differentially identify multiple, spectrally distinct probes (i.e., multiplexing) in cell sections, use Qdot conjugates to characterize breast tissue sections, manufacture and characterize the Qdot conjugates, stain tissue microarrays with Qdot conjugates, and perform in situ hybridization with Qdot conjugates. By the end of the funding period, the researchers had successfully manufactured Qdot conjugates of antibodies and proteins to Qdot nanocrystals, developed staining protocols, and showed that Qdots were superior to existing conjugate probes for multiplex microscopy experiments. They also developed five Qdot streptavidin-conjugated probes.