Quantum dots as a fluorescent labeling tool for live-cell imaging of Leptospira
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
20403364
eISSN
20403372
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85198457573
Journal Title
Nanoscale
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nanoscale (2024)
Suggested Citation
Tantiapibalkun Y., Nuchpun S., Mekseriwattana W., Limsampan S., Doungchawee G., Jangpatarapongsa K., Srikhirin T., Katewongsa K.P. Quantum dots as a fluorescent labeling tool for live-cell imaging of Leptospira. Nanoscale (2024). doi:10.1039/d4nr00543k Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/99793
Title
Quantum dots as a fluorescent labeling tool for live-cell imaging of Leptospira
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global public health problem caused by Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira. The disease is transmitted through the urine of infected animals, which contaminates water and soil, leading to the infection of other animals and humans. Currently, several approaches exist to detect these bacteria; however, a new sensitive method for the live-cell imaging of Leptospira is required. In this study, we report the green synthesis of cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) which are unique fluorescent nanocrystals with a high fluorescence quantum yield capable of modifying cell surfaces and are biocompatible with cells. The fabrication of QDs with concanavalin A (ConA), a carbohydrate-binding lectin and known biological probe for Gram-negative bacteria, produced ConA-QDs which can effectively bind on Leptospira and exhibit strong fluorescence under simple fluorescence microscopy, allowing the live-cell imaging of the bacteria. Overall, we performed the simple synthesis of ConA-QDs and demonstrated their potential use as versatile fluorescent probes for the live-cell imaging of Leptospira. This technique could be further applied to track leptospiral cells and study the infection mechanism, contributing to a more thorough understanding of leptospirosis and how to control it in the future.