Synthesis of functionalized peptoids designed to coordinate to quantum dots for use in biomedical applications

Abstract

Quantum dots are a potential replacement for traditional organic fluorophores. The dots’ inherent toxicity is the main barrier limiting biomedical applications, but designed peptoids could provide a solution for this. The objective of this research was to improve the biocompatibility of quantum dots through designed peptoids that will coordinate to the quantum dots and polymerize a shell around the dots. Using the Bradley Protocol and the submonomer method, various peptoids were synthesized. One peptoid variant was used to determine the ideal reductive amination conditions. Other variants were used to test coordination to quantum dots and the cytotoxicity of the peptoids against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Data has indicated that both a short strand peptoid and a longer length peptoid have been able to effectively coordinate to quantum dots. Testing the cytotoxicity of the three longer length peptoids against HepG2 cells indicated that the peptoids have low toxicity levels.