(1178-C) Applications of MultiDots in Human iPSC-derived Microglia
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Halls AB
Abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are crystalline semiconductor nanoparticles with unique fluorescent properties. Distinct spectral signature of QDs facilitate imaging of multiple emission wavelengths with a single excitation source and their high absorption cross-sections enable bright photon emission. These properties of QDs make them an attractive alternative to fluorescent dyes for use in biological imaging. However, unprotected quantum dots are susceptible to degradation in physiological conditions, losing their fluorescence quickly. They have a limited shelf-life in buffers used for cell culture and tissue applications. To overcome these obstacles, Core Quantum Technologies developed a novel technology that encapsulates QDs in a block-co-polymer, a structure called MultiDots, through a proprietary electrospray process. The stable MultiDots exhibit increased sensitivity, a tighter emission spectrum than current fluorescent reagents, reducing spectral overlap and eliminating complex spectral compensation. In this study, we used MultiDots conjugated to antibodies targeting cell surface receptors on human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived microglia for microscopy and flow cytometry applications. Our results demonstrate that MultiDots produce a bright fluorescence signal and are resistant to photo-bleaching, which provides flexibility for their use in multiple imaging techniques. This study demonstrates possible applications of MultiDots with hiPSC-derived glia, which could be similarly applied to many other valuable cell platforms that would benefit from improved quality and flexibility of data acquisition.