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Quantum Dots pp 125–139Cite as

Phase Transfer and DNA Functionalization of Quantum Dots Using an Easy-to-Prepare, Low-Cost Zwitterionic Polymer

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 2135))

Abstract

Small, stable, and bright quantum dots (QDs) are of interest in many biosensing and biomedical imaging applications, but current methodologies for obtaining these characteristics can be highly specialized or expensive. We describe a straightforward, low-cost protocol for functionalizing poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PIMA) with moieties that anchor to the QD surface (histamine), impart hydrophilicity [(2-aminoethyl)trimethylammonium chloride (Me3N+-NH2)], and provide a platform for biofunctionalization via click chemistry (dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)). Guidelines to successfully use this polymer for QD ligand exchange are presented, and an example of biofunctionalization with DNA is shown. Stable QD–DNA conjugates are obtained with high yield and without requiring additional purification steps.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Margaret Chern & Allison M. Dennis

  2. Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Chloe Grazon

  3. CNRS, Bordeaux INP, LCPO, UMR 5629, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France

    Chloe Grazon

  4. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA

    Allison M. Dennis

Authors
  1. Margaret Chern
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  2. Chloe Grazon
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  3. Allison M. Dennis
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Allison M. Dennis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Biomedical Nanotechnology Group, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Adriana Fontes

  2. Biomedical Nanotechnology Group, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Beate S. Santos

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Chern, M., Grazon, C., Dennis, A.M. (2020). Phase Transfer and DNA Functionalization of Quantum Dots Using an Easy-to-Prepare, Low-Cost Zwitterionic Polymer. In: Fontes, A., Santos, B. (eds) Quantum Dots. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2135. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0463-2_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0463-2_7

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-0716-0462-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-0716-0463-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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