Preparation and Characterization of Quantum Dot-Peptide Conjugates Based on Polyhistidine Tags

Katherine D Krause; Hsin-Yun Tsai; Kelly Rees; Hyungki Kim; W Russ Algar

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-1617-8_16

Preparation and Characterization of Quantum Dot-Peptide Conjugates Based on Polyhistidine Tags

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2355:175-218. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1617-8_16.

Authors

Katherine D Krause¹, Hsin-Yun Tsai¹, Kelly Rees¹, Hyungki Kim¹, W Russ Algar²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
² Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. algar@chem.ubc.ca.

PMID: 34386960
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1617-8_16

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) offer bright and robust photoluminescence among several other advantages in comparison to fluorescent dyes. In order to leverage the advantageous properties of QDs for applications in bioanalysis and imaging, simple and reliable methods for bioconjugation are required. One such method for conjugating peptides to QDs is the use of polyhistidine tags, which spontaneously bind to the surface of QDs. We describe protocols for assembling polyhistidine-tagged peptides to QDs and for characterizing the resultant QD-peptide conjugates. The latter include both electrophoretic and FRET-based protocols for confirming successful peptide assembly, estimating the maximum peptide loading capacity, and measuring the assembly kinetics. Sensors for protease activity and intracellular delivery are briefly noted as prospective applications of QD-peptide conjugates.

Keywords: Agarose gel electrophoresis; Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET); Peptides; Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; Polyhistidine; Quantum dots.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Histidine
Quantum Dots*

Substances

polyhistidine
Histidine