Nanobody-Conjugated Nanotubes for Targeted Near-Infrared In Vivo Imaging and Sensing

Abstract

Fluorescent nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have many advantages in terms of their photophysics, but it is difficult to target them to specific locations in living systems. In contrast, the green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been genetically fused to proteins in many cells and organisms. Therefore, GFP can be seen not only as a fluorophore but as a universal target/handle. Here, we report the conjugation of GFP-binding nanobodies to DNA-wrapped SWCNTs. This approach combines the targeting capabilities of GFP-binding nanobodies and the nonbleaching near-infrared fluorescence (850-1700 nm) of SWCNTs. These conjugates allow us to track single Kinesin-5-GFP motor proteins in developing embryos of Drosophila melanogaster. Additionally, they are sensitive to the neurotransmitter dopamine and can be used for targeted sensing of dopamine in the nm regime.

Keywords: fluorescent probes; kinesin; nanobodies; nanotubes; near-infrared fluorescence.