Method for enhancing transport of semiconductor nanocrystals across biological membranes

摘要

Semiconductor nanoparticle complexes comprising semiconductor nanoparticles in association with cationic polymers are described. Also described are methods for enhancing the transport of semiconductor nanoparticles across biological membranes to provide encoded cells. The methods are particularly useful in multiplex settings where a plurality of encoded cells are to be assayed. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

主权项

1. A composition, comprising a micelle dispersed in aqueous solution, wherein the micelle comprises:
(a) one or more semiconductor nanoparticles encapsulated with a negatively charged amphiphilic polymer, wherein the amphiphilic polymer is a block copolymer or grafted polymer that comprises at least one hydrophilic segment and at least one hydrophobic segment that encapsulates the one or more semiconductor nanoparticles through hydrophobic interaction, and (b) a cationic polypeptide comprising 5 to 25 contiguous lysine and/or arginine residues, wherein the cationic polypeptide is associated with the at least one hydrophilic segment of the amphiphilic polymer; wherein the micelle is capable of enhancing the transport of the one or more semiconductor nanoparticles across a biological membrane.