Наночастицы, таких как полупроводниковые квантовые точки (КТ), могут быть использованы для создания фотоактивируемых агентов антимикробные или анти-рак приложений. Этот метод показывает, как с водой растворить теллурида кадмия (CdTe) КТ, сопряженные им антибиотики, а также выполнять бактериального ингибирования основе кривых роста и пластины кол.
Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescent semiconductor nanoparticles with size-dependent emission spectra that can be excited by a broad choice of wavelengths. QDs have attracted a lot of interest for imaging, diagnostics, and therapy due to their bright, stable fluorescence1,2 3,4,5. QDs can be conjugated to a variety of bio-active molecules for binding to bacteria and mammalian cells6.
QDs are also being widely investigated as cytotoxic agents for targeted killing of bacteria. The emergence of multiply-resistant bacterial strains is rapidly becoming a public health crisis, particularly in the case of Gram negative pathogens 7. Because of the well-known antimicrobial effect of certain nanomaterials, especially Ag, there are hundreds of studies examining the toxicity of nanoparticles to bacteria 8. Bacterial studies have been performed with other types of semiconductor nanoparticles as well, especially TiO2 9,10-11, but also ZnO12 and others including CuO 13. Some comparisons of bacterial strains have been performed in these studies, usually comparing a Gram negative strain with a Gram positive. With all of these particles, mechanisms of toxicity are attributed to oxidation: either the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the particles or the direct release of metal ions that can cause oxidative toxicity. Even with these materials, results of different studies vary greatly. In some studies the Gram positive test strain is reportedly more sensitive than the Gram negative 10; in others it is the opposite 14. These studies have been well reviewed 15.
In all nanoparticle studies, particle composition, size, surface chemistry, sample aging/breakdown, and wavelength, power, and duration of light exposure can all dramatically affect the results. In addition, synthesis byproducts and solvents must be considered16 17. High-throughput screening techniques are needed to be able to develop effective new nanomedicine agents.
CdTe QDs have anti-microbial effects alone18 or in combination with antibiotics. In a previous study, we showed that coupling of antibiotics to CdTe can increase toxicity to bacteria but decrease toxicity to mammalian cells, due to decreased production of reactive oxygen species from the conjugates19. Although it is unlikely that cadmium-containing compounds will be approved for use in humans, such preparations could be used for disinfection of surfaces or sterilization of water.
In this protocol, we give a straightforward approach to solubilizing CdTe QDs with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA). The QDs are ready to use within an hour. We then demonstrate coupling to an antimicrobial agent.
The second part of the protocol demonstrates a 96-well bacterial inhibition assay using the conjugated and unconjugated QDs. The optical density is read over many hours, permitting the effects of QD addition and light exposure to be evaluated immediately as well as after a recovery period. We also illustrate a colony count for quantifying bacterial survival.
Наночастицы представляют собой перспективный подход к созданию новых антимикробных агентов. Анализ роста кривой способ контроля бактериальной клеточной плотности, что отличает активно растущих клетках подавляется рост клеток. В сочетании с пластиной считает, она позволяет провести…
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Эта работа финансировалась NSERC Индивидуальная программа Discovery, NSERC / CIHR Совместная программа исследований в области здравоохранения (CHRP) и NSERC CREATE канадский астробиологии Training Program (CATP).
Name | Company | Catalog number | Comments (optional) |
Borate Buffer Component #1 | Fisher | Boric acid A-74-1 | |
Borate Buffer Component #2 | Sigma-Aldrich | Sodium Tetraborate B9876 | |
MPA | Sigma-Aldrich | M5801 | |
Vivaspin 500 | GE Healthcare | 28-9322 | Various MWCO available |
Glass vials | Fisher | 03-338C | |
EDC | Sigma-Aldrich | E6383 | |
Polymyxin B | Sigma-Aldrich | P1004 | |
Bacterial growth medium (LB) Component #1 | Fisher | NaCl S271 | |
Bacterial growth medium (LB) Component #2 | BD | Tryptone 211705 | |
Bacterial growth medium (LB) Component #3 | BD | Yeast Extract 211929 | |
Lamp for light exposure | Custom | ||
Clear-bottom 96-well plates | Fisher | 07-200-567 or 07-200-730 | |
Fluorescence spectrometer | Molecular Devices | ||
Absorbance plate reader | Molecular Devices | ||
BactoAgar for solid media | Bioshop | AGR001.1 | |
Petri dishes round | Fisher | 08-75-12 | |
Petri dishes rectangular | Fisher | 08-757-11A |