Single quantum dot tracking illuminates neuroscience at the nanoscale

• Published in: Chemical physics letters Vol. 706; pp. 741 - 752
• Main Authors: Kovtun, Oleg, Tomlinson, Ian D., Bailey, Danielle M., Thal, Lucas B., Ross, Emily J., Harris, Lauren, Frankland, Michael P., Ferguson, Riley S., Glaser, Zachary, Greer, Jonathan, Rosenthal, Sandra J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 16.08.2018
• ISSN: 0009-2614; 1873-4448
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2018.06.019

[Display omitted] •Quantum dots are the principal driver of single-molecule biophysics revolution.•We highlight recent advances of quantum dot-based single particle tracking.•We provide a clear set of directions for generating ligand-conjugated quantum dots.•Destabilized membrane protein dynamics is an emerging theme in human disease. The use of nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals, known as quantum dots, allows us to directly observe individual biomolecular transactions through a fluorescence microscope. Here, we review the evolution of single quantum dot tracking over the past two decades, highlight key biophysical discoveries facilitated by quantum dots, briefly discuss biochemical and optical implementation strategies for a single quantum dot tracking experiment, and report recent accomplishments of our group at the interface of molecular neuroscience and nanoscience.