A groundbreaking research study by Nankai University scientists exposes a book method for manufacturing quantum dots within the nuclei of live cells. This method, leveraging the cells natural processes with glutathione, paves the way for sophisticated applications in artificial biology, consisting of the production of nanorobots and nanodrugs, by enabling exact inorganic product synthesis at the subcellular level. A recent research study published in the journal National Science Review demonstrates the synthesis of quantum dots (QDs) in the nucleus of live cells. The research was performed by Dr. Hu Yusi, Associate Professor Wang Zhi-Gang, and Professor Pang Dai-Wen from Nankai University. During the research study of QDs synthesis in mammalian cells, it was found that the treatment with glutathione (GSH) improved the cells minimizing capacity. The created QDs were not uniformly dispersed within the cell but focused in a particular location. Through a series of experiments, it was verified that this area is undoubtedly the cell nucleus (as revealed in the figure). Dr. Hu stated, “This is truly incredible, practically incredible.” Understanding the Molecular MechanismsDr. Hu and his mentor Professor Pang tried to illuminate the molecular system of quantum dot synthesis in the cell nucleus. It was discovered that GSH plays a considerable function. There is a GSH transport protein, Bcl-2, on the nucleus, which transfers GSH into the nucleus in big amounts, enhancing the reducing capability within the nucleus, promoting the generation of Se precursors. At the very same time, GSH can likewise expose thiol groups on proteins, developing conditions for the generation of Cd precursors. The combination of these elements eventually allows the plentiful synthesis of quantum dots in the cell nucleus. From delegated right, the fluorescence images of the QDs, the fluorescence pictures of the nucleus staining dye and the merge of the two. This figure shows that with the treatment of GSH, the fluorescent QDs were grown in the nucleus of live cells. Se mean Na2SeO3; Cd mean CdCl2. Credit: Science China PressProfessor Pang stated, “This is an interesting result; this work accomplishes the accurate synthesis of QDs in live cells at the subcellular level.” He continued, “Research in the field of artificial biology mainly focuses on live cell synthesis of natural particles through reverse genetics. Seldom do we see the live cell synthesis of inorganic functional materials. Our research study doesnt include complex hereditary adjustments; it accomplishes the target synthesis of inorganic fluorescent nanomaterials in cellular organelles simply by regulating the content and circulation of GSH within the cell. This addresses the shortage in synthetic biology for the synthesis of inorganic products.” While the synthesis of natural materials in cells stays primary in the field of biosynthesis, this research study undoubtedly leads the way for the synthesis of inorganic products in synthetic biology. Professor Pang revealed, “Each of our advancements is a brand-new beginning point. We firmly believe that in the future, we can use cell synthesis to produce nanodrugs, or even nanorobots in specified organelles. We can transform cells into super cells, enabling them to do unthinkable things.” Reference: “In-situ synthesis of quantum dots in the nucleus of live cells” by Yusi Hu, Zhi-Gang Wang, Haohao Fu, Chuanzheng Zhou, Wensheng Cai, Xueguang Shao, Shu-Lin Liu and Dai-Wen Pang, 12 January 2024, National Science Review. DOI: 10.1093 / nsr/nwae021.
A recent study released in the journal National Science Review shows the synthesis of quantum dots (QDs) in the nucleus of live cells. During the study of QDs synthesis in mammalian cells, it was discovered that the treatment with glutathione (GSH) improved the cells lowering capacity.” While the synthesis of organic materials in cells stays predominant in the field of biosynthesis, this research unquestionably paves the method for the synthesis of inorganic products in artificial biology. We can transform cells into extremely cells, allowing them to do unthinkable things.” Reference: “In-situ synthesis of quantum dots in the nucleus of live cells” by Yusi Hu, Zhi-Gang Wang, Haohao Fu, Chuanzheng Zhou, Wensheng Cai, Xueguang Shao, Shu-Lin Liu and Dai-Wen Pang, 12 January 2024, National Science Review.
