Quantum Dot Applications to Neuroscience: New Tools for Probing Neurons and Glia

Abstract

Semiconductor fluorescent quantum dots are nanometer-sized functionalized particles that display unique physical properties that make them particularly well suited for visualizing and tracking molecular processes in cells using standard fluorescence microscopy (Jaiswal et al., 2003; Watson et al., 2003; Michalet et al., 2005). They are readily excitable and have broad absorption spectra with very narrow emission spectra, allowing multiplexing of many different colored quantum dots; they display minimal photobleaching, thereby allowing molecular tracking over prolonged periods; they also display a blinking property that allows the identification of individual quantum dots. As a result, single molecule binding events can be identified and tracked using optical fluorescence microscopy, allowing the pursuit of experiments that are difficult or not possible given other experimental approaches. Neuroscience-specific applications of quantum dots are starting to emerge. Some work has focused on using this nanotechnology to address cellular and molecular questions of interest, although other work is pushing the development of the technology forward.