12/17/2010
Targeting of Cancer Cells Using Quantum Dot–Polypeptide Hybrid Assemblies That Function as Molecular Imaging Agents and Carrier Systems
(4091–4097)Advanced Functional Materials 20  #23 (2010)
Atmaja et al of Stanford University, California  formed the assemblies  self-assembly of carboxyl-functionalized quantum dots and poly(diethylene glycol-L-lysine)-poly(L-lysine) diblock copolypeptide molecules, and they are modified with peptide ligands containing a cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate [c(RGD)] motif that has affinity for αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins overexpressed on the tumor vasculature.  Binding to U87MG glioblastoma cells can be modulated and optimized by changing either the conditions under which the assemblies are formed or the relative lengths of the different blocks in the copolymers.   (RDC 12/14/2010)