Abstract: A modular linker includes an inorganic binding entity having an affinity for a substantially inorganic substance, and an organic binding entity capable of binding with an organic substance covalently bonded thereto. The modular linker is capable of being stored in a stable condition for later use. The modular linker may be synthesized by modifying the inorganic binding entity to be covalently bonded to an organic binding entity and storing the modular linker in an inert environment from about a day up to at least 1 week. The modular linker may be conjugated to an organic substance and to a substantially inorganic substance in substantially a 1:1 ratio. The modular linker may have more than one organic binding entity covalently bonded to an inorganic binding entity or vice-versa. Also, a particular modular linker may have an organic binding entity capable of binding with a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.

Abstract: A peptide directs nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. A method of delivery of a nanoparticle to a plasma membrane of a cell includes providing to the cell a nanoparticle attached to a peptide configured to direct the nanoparticle the plasma membrane, and allowing the cell to take up the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle can be a FRET donor to an organic dye.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain, (b) a spacer domain, (c) an uptake domain, and (d) a vesicle escape domain, wherein the domains (a) through (d) appear in the same order as listed above, and wherein the peptide, upon addition of a non-hydrolyzable lipophilic moiety to the vesicle escape domain and binding to a nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of a nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.

Abstract: Described are nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain, (b) a spacer domain, (c) an uptake domain, and (d) a vesicle escape domain, wherein the domains (a) through (d) appear in the same order as listed above, and wherein the peptide, upon addition of a non-hydrolyzable lipophilic moiety to the vesicle escape domain and binding to a nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of a nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.

Abstract: A peptide directs nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. A method of delivery of a nanoparticle to a plasma membrane of a cell includes providing to the cell a nanoparticle attached to a peptide configured to direct the nanoparticle the plasma membrane, and allowing the cell to take up the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle can be a FRET donor to an organic dye.

Abstract: A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.

Abstract: Described are peptides for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain; (b) a proline-rich spacer domain; (c) an uptake domain; and (d) a vesicle escape domain comprising a non-hydrolyzable lipid moiety, wherein the spacer domain is between the nanoparticle association domain and the uptake and vesicle escape domains, and wherein the peptide, when attached to an extracellular nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of the nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.

Abstract: A method for covalent attachment of peptides to luminescent quantum dots or other inorganic nanoparticles. The first step in the method involves functionalizing at least a portion of a surface of the quantum dot or nanoparticle with one or more materials having at least one reactive functional group therein. Subsequently, a peptide having a reactive functional group is reacted with at least some of the quantum dot or nanoparticle reactive functional groups to covalently bond at least some of the peptide to the quantum dots or nanoparticles. Modifications of the basic method are disclosed which provide methods allowing customized fabrication of quantum dots having a variety of different functional properties and combinations of functional properties. Also disclosed are quantum dots and nanoparticles made by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the compounds shown below and methods of their synthesis. The value m is a positive integer. R comprises an alkyl chain or an alkoxy chain. Each X comprises a metal binding group. Each E is a methoxy group or comprises a biomolecule reactive group or a residue thereof. E optionally comprises a protecting group. The value n is a positive integer. The value p is zero or one. Y is OCH3, OH, NH2, or COOH.

Abstract: Populations of quantum dots are combined with quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence to produce a plurality of optical barcodes having at least two distinguishable colors arising from varying quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence bound to the populations of quantum dots.

Abstract: Compounds having the formulas below. The values n and x are independently selected positive integers.

Abstract: A compound having the formula below. The values n and m are independently selected positive integers.

Abstract: A method for covalent attachment of peptides to luminescent quantum dots or other inorganic nanoparticles. The first step in the method involves functionalizing at least a portion of a surface of the quantum dot or nanoparticle with one or more materials having at least one reactive functional group therein. Subsequently, a peptide having a reactive functional group is reacted with at least some of the quantum dot or nanoparticle reactive functional groups to covalently bond at least some of the peptide to the quantum dots or nanoparticles. Modifications of the basic method are disclosed which provide methods allowing customized fabrication of quantum dots having a variety of different functional properties and combinations of functional properties. Also disclosed are quantum dots and nanoparticles made by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Described are peptides for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain; (b) a proline-rich spacer domain; (c) an uptake domain; and (d) a vesicle escape domain comprising a non-hydrolyzable lipid moiety, wherein the spacer domain is between the nanoparticle association domain and the uptake and vesicle escape domains, and wherein the peptide, when attached to an extracellular nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of the nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.

Abstract: Populations of quantum dots are combined with quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence to produce a plurality of optical barcodes having at least two distinguishable colors arising from varying quantities of a modulator of photoluminescence bound to the populations of quantum dots.

Abstract: A method of controllably changing an intrinsic property of a quantum dot by using a biological entity, either attached or in close proximity to the quantum dot, and changing the state of biological entity with a controllable mechanism. The change in state of the biological entity controllably changes the intrinsic property of the quantum dot. The photoluminescence emission of quantum dots can be controlled by the present method. The methods disclosed include controlling the magnitude of QD photoluminescence as well as turning the photoluminescence on/off. The methods disclosed include using the same biological control architecture to control other intrinsic QD properties such as charge state, magnetic or other property.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the compounds shown below and methods of their synthesis. The value m is a positive integer. R comprises an alkyl chain or an alkoxy chain. Each X comprises a metal binding group. Each E is a methoxy group or comprises a biomolecule reactive group or a residue thereof. E optionally comprises a protecting group. The value n is a positive integer. The value p is zero or one. Y is OCH3, OH, NH2, or COOH.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing physiological conditions in biological applications includes a laser source for optically exciting a plurality of luminescent quantum dots and a plurality of biomolecules in a nanoscale sensing system having a nanocrystal structure, where the plurality of biomolecules is stained with dye. In a multi-photon excitation process, a laser system optically excites, the plurality of luminescent quantum dots and the plurality of biomolecules in the nanoscale sensing system, where fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs between the plurality of quantum dots and the plurality of biomolecules. Stability of self assembly of quantum dot peptide conjugates within the plurality of biomolecules is investigated. Physiological conditions at the cellular level are determined, using a spectrometer to sense fluorosence spectra.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a surface ligand; preparation of the ligand; colloidal nanoparticle, such as quantum dot bearing one or more of the ligand; and a bioconjugate characterized by a nanoparticle bearing one or more of the ligand conjugated to a biomolecule. The ligand is characterized by the presence of a first module containing atoms that can attach to an inorganic surface; a second module that imparts water-solubility to the ligand and to the inorganic surface that may be attached to the ligand; and a third module that contains a functional group that can, directly or indirectly, conjugate to a biomolecule. Order of the modules can be different and other modules and groups can be on the ligand. Preparation of the ligand includes the steps of reacting a compound having atoms that can attach to an inorganic surface with a water-solubilizing compound that imparts the property of water-solubility to the ligand and the inorganic surface to which it may be attached and purification thereof.