Intracellular Delivery of Quantum Dot−Protein Cargos Mediated by Cell Penetrating Peptides

摘要: We utilize cell penetrating peptide functionalized QDs as specific vectors for the intracellular delivery of model fluorescent protein cargos. Multiple copies two structurally diverse proteins, 27 kDa monomeric yellow and 240 multichromophore b-phycoerythrin complex, were attached to using either metal-affinity driven self-assembly or biotin-Streptavidin binding, respectively. Cellular uptake these complexes was found depend on additional presence cell-penetrating peptides within QD-protein conjugates. Once inside cells, QD conjugates mostly distributed endolysosomal compartments, indicating that both assemblies primarily by endocytotic uptake. microinjection QD-fluorescent also utilized an alternate strategy could bypass endocytic pathway. Simultaneous signals from proteins allowed verification their colocalization conjugate integrity upon live cells. Due intrinsic fluorescence properties, this class provides a unique tool test ability with mediate small large size Use QD-peptide/fluorescent may make powerful tools understanding mechanisms nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery.