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Super-resolution imaging has opened up a new realm of possibilities for the study of biological processes. No longer restricted by the diffraction limit of light, scientists can visualize and monitor interactions at the single molecule level, with resolutions of 10-100 nm. Successful super-resolution imaging requires highly stable, bright fluorescent probes that can experience many fluorescence "on" and "off" events over the time of an experiment. Traditionally, organic fluorophores and photoactivatable proteins have been used for super-resolution imaging, but they are prone to photobleaching and often require very specific experimental conditions in order to behave as required. Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as improved fluorescent probes for use in super-resolution imaging, but their application to biological studies, although increasingly prevalent, has failed to prove their superiority over other probe types or the relevance of their biological presentation. The purpose of the work presented herein was to first validate the use of QDs as superior super- resolution imaging probes through direct comparison to a common organic fluorophore as well as ensure that the as-designed QD probes were capable of yielding relevant biological information by applying them to a well-studied biological system- the binding of the neuropeptide bradykinin to bradykinin receptors on neurons. After this successful proof of principle work, similar QD probes were designed as amyloid beta oligomer mimics so as to begin super-resolution studies that may reveal the reason behind the cytotoxicity of amyloid beta oligomers in Alzheimer's disease.
Advisor: | Nilsson, Bradley L., Krauss, Todd D. |
Commitee: | Turner, Douglas H., Gelbard, Harris A., Grossfield, Alan M. |
School: | University of Rochester |
Department: | School of Arts and Sciences |
School Location: | United States -- New York |
Source: | DAI-B 81/2(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Chemistry, Physical chemistry, Neurosciences |
Keywords: | Bradykinin, Neurons, Palm, Quantum dots, Storm, Super-resolution |
Publication Number: | 22582573 |
ISBN: | 9781085750417 |