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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Synthesis of Cd-free InP/ZnS Quantum Dots Suitable for Biomedical Applications
Published on: February 6, 2016
In-situ synthesis of quantum dots in the nucleus of live cells
Yusi Hu1,2, Zhi-Gang Wang1,2, Haohao Fu1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Centre for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, School of Medicine, and Frontiers Science Centre for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
Abstract:
The cell nucleus is the main site for the storage and replication of genetic material, and the synthesis of substances in the nucleus is rhythmic, regular and strictly regulated by physiological processes. However, whether exogenous substances, such as nanoparticles, can be synthesized in situ in the nucleus of live cells has not been reported. Here, we have achieved in-situ synthesis of CdSSe1- quantum dots (QDs) in the nucleus by regulation of the glutathione (GSH) metabolic pathway. High enrichment of GSH in the nucleus can be accomplished by the addition of GSH with the help of the Bcl-2 protein. Then, high-valence Se is reduced to low-valence Se by glutathione-reductase-catalyzed GSH, and interacts with the Cd precursor formed through Cd and thiol-rich proteins, eventually generating QDs in the nucleus. Our work contributes to a new understanding of the syntheses of substances in the cell nucleus and will pave the way for the development of advanced 'supercells'.
