Quantum Dots: A Quantum Dot Photoswitch for DNA Detection, Gene Transfection, and Live‐Cell Imaging (Small 22/2012)

The preparation of a protein-derived biopolymer coating for encapsulating quantum dots (QDs) by multivalent interactions is described on page 3465 by T. Weil and co-workers. Coated QDs undergo fast endocytosis, and they are highly stable and noncytotoxic in live cells. The formation of complexes containing QDs and plasmid DNA leads to proportionally decreased photoluminescence of the QDs. Efficient gene transfection is achieved, which is attractive for live-cell bioimaging and mechanistic studies of non-viral gene delivery.