Efficient Delivery Of Quantum Dots In Live Cells By Gold Nanoparticle Mediated Photoporation

There is considerable interest in using Quantum Dots (QDs) as fluorescent probes such for cellular imaging due to unique advantages in comparison with conventional molecular dyes. However, cytosolic delivery of QDs into live cells remains a major challenge. Here we demonstrate highly efficient delivery of PEG-coated QDs into live cells by means of laser-induced vapour nanobubbles. Using this procedure we succeeded in high-throughput loading of similar to 80% of cells while maintaining a cell viability of similar to 85%.