Probing lectin and sperm with carbohydrate-modified quantum dots

Chembiochem. 2005 Oct;6(10):1899-905. doi: 10.1002/cbic.200500112.

Abstract

We report the encapsulation of quantum dots with biologically important beta-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in different ratios, together with studies of their specific/sensitive multivalent interactions with lectins and sperm by fluorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering microscopy, confocal imaging techniques, and flow cytometry. These GlcNAc-encapsulated quantum dots (QDGLNs) specifically bind to wheat germ agglutinin, and cause fluorescence quenching and aggregation. Further studies of QDGLNs and the mannose-encapsulated QDs (QDMANs) with sperm revealed site-specific interactions, in which QDGLNs bind to the head of the sperm, while QDMANs spread over the whole sperm body.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylglucosamine / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorometry
  • Light
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Sperm Head / chemistry
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry*
  • Swine
  • Wheat Germ Agglutinins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Wheat Germ Agglutinins
  • Acetylglucosamine