Quantum Dot Encapsulation in Viral Capsids

• Published in: Nano letters Vol. 6; no. 9; pp. 1993 - 1999
• Main Authors: Dixit, Suraj K, Goicochea, Nancy L, Daniel, Marie-Christine, Murali, Ayaluru, Bronstein, Lyudmila, De, Mrinmoy, Stein, Barry, Rotello, Vincent M, Kao, C. Cheng, Dragnea, Bogdan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 01.09.2006
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Capsid - chemistry; Coated Materials, Biocompatible - chemistry; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Metals. Metallurgy; Molecular Probe Techniques; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanotechnology - methods; Physics; Production techniques; Quantum Dots; Surface treatment; Virus Assembly; Encapsulation; Radiation effects; Zinc sulfides; Inorganic compounds; Light scattering; Transition element compounds; Self-assembled layers; Experimental study; Coatings; Cadmium selenides; Ethylene oxide polymer; Time dependence; Self-assembly; Semiconductor quantum dots; Functionalization; II-VI semiconductors; Capsid; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 1530-6984; 1530-6992
• DOI: 10.1021/nl061165u

Incorporation of CdSe/ZnS semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) into viral particles provides a new paradigm for the design of intracellular microscopic probes and vectors. Several strategies for the incorporation of QDs into viral capsids were explored; those functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can be self-assembled into viral particles with minimal release of photoreaction products and enhanced stability against prolonged irradiation.