Single protein visualization using a fluorescent nanocomponent

Albert Ruggi (SMCT group)

Background

Current state-of-the-art visualization of proteins in living cells makes use of labeling with small organic dyes, quantum dots, etc. In recent years, methods have become available to target organic dyes to proteins, but visualization of single proteins in living cells is not practical in these systems due to low signal of individual dye molecules and bleaching for example. Quantum dots show high intensity and decreased photobleaching, but problems occur in targeting and stoichiometry. This project is expected to combine the stoichiometry and selectivity of organic systems with the brightness of Quantum Dots for the first time.

Objective

The project will be aimed to develop an organic fluorescent nanocomponent (label) containing several fluorescent molecules and a reactive group for conjugation to a protein. The fluorecent nanocomponent will be studied down to the single molecular level for its (photo)physical properties. Attention in these studies will be focused on fluorescent properties and biocompatibility of this system with living cells. The next stage in this project will be the in vitro study of proteins at a single molecule level. Finally, the knowledge from all above experiments can be combined to rationally design an organic nanocomponent that can be employed to monitor single proteins in living cells.

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Home Introduction video News Participating groups Research projects MSc and BSc projects Vacancies Activities Nano2Life Quarterly reports Bionano FORUM About the program director Links Sitemap Search Print version	Single protein visualization using a fluorescent nanocomponent Albert Ruggi (SMCT group) Background Current state-of-the-art visualization of proteins in living cells makes use of labeling with small organic dyes, quantum dots, etc. In recent years, methods have become available to target organic dyes to proteins, but visualization of single proteins in living cells is not practical in these systems due to low signal of individual dye molecules and bleaching for example. Quantum dots show high intensity and decreased photobleaching, but problems occur in targeting and stoichiometry. This project is expected to combine the stoichiometry and selectivity of organic systems with the brightness of Quantum Dots for the first time. Objective The project will be aimed to develop an organic fluorescent nanocomponent (label) containing several fluorescent molecules and a reactive group for conjugation to a protein. The fluorecent nanocomponent will be studied down to the single molecular level for its (photo)physical properties. Attention in these studies will be focused on fluorescent properties and biocompatibility of this system with living cells. The next stage in this project will be the in vitro study of proteins at a single molecule level. Finally, the knowledge from all above experiments can be combined to rationally design an organic nanocomponent that can be employed to monitor single proteins in living cells.