Quantum dot-NanoLuc bioluminescence resonance energy transfer enables tumor imaging and lymph node mapping in vivo.

ABSTRACT: A small luciferase protein (Nluc) was conjugated to QDs as a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) pair. The conjugate showed 76% BRET efficiency and lymph node mapping was successfully performed. The cRGD peptide was conjugated to QD-Nluc for tumor targeting. The self-illuminating QD-Nluc showed excellent energy transfer in a living system and offered an optimal tumor-to-background ratio (>85).

SUBMITTER: Kamkaew A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4912020 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature