One-step fabrication of biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS and ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots via a γ-radiation route.

Biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS quantum dots [CS-ZnS QDs] and chitosan-coated ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots [CS-ZnS:Mn2+ QDs] were successfully fabricated via a convenient one-step γ-radiation route. The as-obtained QDs were around 5 nm in diameter with excellent water-solubility. These QDs emitting strong visible blue or orange light under UV excitation were successfully used as labels for PANC-1 cells.

Gamma-radiation synthesis of silk fibroin coated CdSe quantum dots and their biocompatibility and photostability in living cells.

Silk fibroin coated CdSe quantum dots (SF-CdSe QDs) were successfully synthesized via a one-step gamma-radiation route in an aqueous system at room temperature. The as prepared products were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersion spectrum (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). The SF-CdSe QDs were about 5 nm in diameter and exhibited excellent water-solubility and photoluminescence properties.

UV-enhanced cytotoxicity of thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots in human pancreatic carcinoma cells.

Quantum dots (QDs) have been gaining popularity due to their potential application in cellular imaging and diagnosis, but their cytotoxicity under light illumination has not been fully investigated. In this study, green and red mercaptopropionic acid capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) were employed to investigate their cytotoxicity in human pancreatic carcinoma cells (PANC-1) under UV illumination. MPA-CdTe QDs exhibited excellent photostability under UV illumination and could be easily ingested by cells.

Gamma-radiation synthesis and properties of superparamagnetic CS-ZnSe:Mn nanocrystals for biological labeling.

Chitosan coated ZnSe:Mn (CS-ZnSe:Mn) nanocrystals were successfully synthesized in aqueous system through a gamma-radiation route at room temperature under ambient pressure. The structure and properties of nanocrystals were investigated with transmission electron microscope (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometer, photoluminescence emission (PL) spectra, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersion spectrum (EDS). Results showed that the diameter of these nanocrystals was about 4 nm with narrow size distribution.

Intracellular uptake, trafficking and subcellular distribution of folate conjugated single walled carbon nanotubes within living cells.

Herein we studied the uptake, trafficking and distribution of folate conjugated single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) within living cells. SWNTs were noncovalently functionalized with chitosan and then linked with folate acid and fluorescence dye Alexa Fluor 488 (denoted FA-SWNTs). Hep G2 cells were cultured in vitro and incubated with FA-SWNTs at different levels.