Phase Transfer and DNA Functionalization of Quantum Dots Using an Easy-to-Prepare, Low-Cost Zwitterionic Polymer

Margaret Chern (1) , Chloé Grazon (2, 3) , Allison M. Dennis (1, 4)

1 Division of Materials Science and Engineering
2 Team 3 LCPO : Polymer Self-Assembly & Life Sciences
3 Department of Chemistry
4 Department of Biomedical Engineering [Boston]

Small, stable, and bright quantum dots (QDs) are of interest in many biosensing and biomedical imaging applications, but current methodologies for obtaining these characteristics can be highly specialized or expensive. We describe a straightforward, low-cost protocol for functionalizing poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PIMA) with moieties that anchor to the QD surface (histamine), impart hydrophilicity [(2-aminoethyl)trimethylammonium chloride (Me3N+-NH2)], and provide a platform for biofunctionalization via click chemistry (dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)). Guidelines to successfully use this polymer for QD ligand exchange are presented, and an example of biofunctionalization with DNA is shown. Stable QD–DNA conjugates are obtained with high yield and without requiring additional purification steps.

Mots clés: DNA labeling; Copper-free click chemistry; Biofunctionalization; Nanoparticle; Carboxybetaine; Poly(isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride)—PIMA

Domaines: Polymères; Matériaux; Matière Molle [cond-mat.soft]

Margaret Chern, Chloé Grazon, Allison M. Dennis. Phase Transfer and DNA Functionalization of Quantum Dots Using an Easy-to-Prepare, Low-Cost Zwitterionic Polymer. Adriana Fontes; Beate S. Santos. Quantum Dots. Applications in Biology, 2135, Humana Press, pp.125-139, 2020, Methods in Molecular Biology, 978-1-0716-0462-5. ⟨10.1007/978-1-0716-0463-2_7⟩. ⟨hal-02533646⟩