Preliminary analysis of the interactions between CdTe quantum dots and human metallothionein

Publication date: 1 October 2018Source: Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, Volume 170Author(s): Ewelina Guszpit, Pavel Kopel, Soňa Křížková, Halina MilnerowiczAbstractMetallothionein (MT) plays the important role in the detoxification of heavy metals, protection against oxidative compounds and as a prognostic marker in the development of tumors. It is important to find selective, stable and sensitive tools and probes to evaluate the presence of MT in biological fluids or tissues. QDs linked with ligands such as peptides or small molecules are a promising tool for selective, fast, and sensitive tagging and imaging in medicine. In previous findings, the authors proved the possibility of interaction with QDs (particularly with CdTe) and analyzed the stability of the formed complexes between CdTe and MT during incubation over time. Following that, an initial analysis of the interactions between CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and human metallothionein (MT) was performed. Complexes of mercaptosuccinic acid-covered CdTe QDs + MT were investigated using fluorescence intensity changes along a timeline, quenching analysis, stability interpretation based on zeta potential, and quenching intensity. Based on the preliminary results, it appears as though the possible interactions depend on the size of the CdTe QDs. Additionally, the formation of complexes between CdTe and human MT likely depends mostly on structural changes and conformational reorganization rather than on electrosta...

Source: Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces - July 11, 2018 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research