Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
07:23
An Optimized Protocol for the Efficient Radiolabeling of Gold Nanoparticles by Using a 125I-labeled Azide Prosthetic Group
Published on: October 10, 2016
8.5K
Insulin-copper quantum clusters preparation and receptor targeted bioimaging
Pawandeep Kaur1, Sunidhi Sharma1, Satabdi Datta Choudhury2
1School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, 147004, Punjab, India.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|January 18, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed insulin-protected copper quantum clusters (ICuQCs) for bioimaging. These stable, fluorescent ICuQCs offer a simple synthesis and potential for targeted applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Protein-embedded quantum clusters (QCs) are of significant interest due to their favorable properties like aqueous solubility, stability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Advancements in creating functional QCs with target specificity are ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the simple synthesis of insulin-protected copper quantum clusters (ICuQCs).
- To explore the receptor-targeted bioimaging applications of these ICuQCs.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot synthesis method was employed, involving pH adjustment of insulin protein.
- Copper quantum clusters (CuQCs) were formed and stabilized within the insulin matrix at physiological pH.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and metal ion binding site prediction (MIB) were used for characterization.
Main Results:
- Monodispersed (∼2-3 nm), highly fluorescent, and stable ICuQCs were synthesized in an aqueous phase.
- HRTEM confirmed uniform distribution of copper dots within the protein matrix.
- Insulin's chain B, specifically residues GLY8 and HIS10 in Groove 1, showed high binding potential for Cu2+ ions.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology offers a straightforward approach for synthesizing protein-protected QCs.
- The hybrid QC-protein system, like ICuQCs, holds promise for various optical and bioimaging applications due to its stability and functionalization potential.
