Carnegie Mellon enhances Quantum Dot Corp. technology for long-term, live-anim...( remained fluorescent for eight months. ...)

In the animals, the modified quantum dots remain localized primarily in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow. These locations have a high concentration of phagocytes, immune cells that remove circulating debris inside the body. This finding strongly suggests that quantum dots were collected by phagocytic cells, according to the scientists. Because quantum dots accumulate in these areas, they could potentially be useful for defining some tumor types and for detecting sentinel lymph nodes, according to Ballou. (A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which a cancer spreads.)

The Carnegie Mellon researchers plan to extend their research by targeting quantum dots to cells other than phagocytes. They also hope to modify quantum dots using biological molecules that could create in situ biosensors to report the presence of specific compounds that signal cellular responses inside the body. For instance, these modified quantum dots could potentially report how a tumor is responding to therapy.

MBIC is recognized worldwide for its work in revolutionizing light microscopy and fluorescent probes for live cell imaging. The center's current focus involves the development of instrumentation and chemistry systems for biological research and medicine.

'"/>

Contact: Lauren Ward
wardle@andrew.cmu.edu
412-268-7761
Carnegie Mellon University
16-Jan-2004