This paper explored the feasibility for the application of luminescent CdTe quantum dots prepared in aqueous phase to live cell imaging. The highly luminescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were first prepared in aqueous phase, and then were covalently coupled to a plant lectin (UEA-1), as a fluorescent probe. After incubating with of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the QD probe with UEA-1 was able to specifically bind the corresponding cell receptor. The good cell images were obtained in live cells using laser confocal scanning microscopy. We predict that QDs prepared in water phase will probably become an attractive alternative probe in cellular imaging and bio-labeling.
Ji Fang WENGXing Tao SONGLiang LIHui Feng QIANKe Ying CHENXue Ming XUCheng Xi CAOJi Cun REN
