Optimisation of the synthesis and modification of CdTe quantum dots for enhanced live cell imaging

Abstract

We report the preparation and luminescence enhancement of thioglycolic acid (TGA) stabilised CdTe quantum dots (QDs) for use as live cell imaging tools in THP-1 macrophage cells. Short irradiating times utilising a high powered Hg lamp resulted in increases in luminescence efficiencies of up to ∼40% and permit significantly enhanced live imaging of the THP-1 cellular components. It was found that the TGA-stabilised QDs traverse the cell membrane, illuminating the cytoplasm and decorating the nuclear membrane. These studies highlight the potential use of photoetched CdTe QDs as probes for specific in vitro labelling.