Biophotonics: Quantum dots for single molecule imaging in live cells

Rockefeller University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

0620813 Simon The work in this proposal will optimize fluorophores for following single proteins in cells. This could significantly enhance the ability to study the roles of proteins in many different cellular reactions. There are some organic fluorophores that can be monovalently linked to proteins. Unfortunately, they are not photostable enough to be used for many biological studies. Quantum dots have significantly greater brightness and photostability. However, they aggregate and are multivalent in their linkages. This project will optimize the imaging techniques and designs of quantum dots to reduce aggregation and ensure that their linkages to proteins are monovalent.