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Biosynthesis of luminescent quantum dots in an earthworm.
- Source :
- Nature Nanotechnology; Jan2013, Vol. 8 Issue 1, p57-60, 4p, 2 Color Photographs, 1 Black and White Photograph
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- The synthesis of designer solid-state materials by living organisms is an emerging field in bio-nanotechnology. Key examples include the use of engineered viruses as templates for cobalt oxide (Co<subscript>3</subscript>O<subscript>4</subscript>) particles, superparamagnetic cobalt-platinum alloy nanowires and gold-cobalt oxide nanowires for photovoltaic and battery-related applications. Here, we show that the earthworm's metal detoxification pathway can be exploited to produce luminescent, water-soluble semiconductor cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots that emit in the green region of the visible spectrum when excited in the ultraviolet region. Standard wild-type Lumbricus rubellus earthworms were exposed to soil spiked with CdCl<subscript>2</subscript> and Na<subscript>2</subscript>TeO<subscript>3</subscript> salts for 11 days. Luminescent quantum dots were isolated from chloragogenous tissues surrounding the gut of the worm, and were successfully used in live-cell imaging. The addition of polyethylene glycol on the surface of the quantum dots allowed for non-targeted, fluid-phase uptake by macrophage cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17483387
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Nature Nanotechnology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 84478117
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2012.232