Application of quantum dot nanoparticles for potential non-invasive bio-imaging of mammalian spermatozoa

Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Research

Abed S Fahad¹  Jean M Feugang¹  Ramey C Youngblood¹  Peter L Ryan²  Jonathan M Greene²  Scott T Willard³  William A Monroe⁴ 

[1] Facility for Cellular Imaging and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Facility for Cellular Imaging and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary and Medicine, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Facility for Cellular Imaging and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Entomology and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA;

关键词: Spermatozoa;    Fertilization;    Quantum dot;    Nanoparticles;    Biophotonic imaging;    Bioluminescence imaging;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1477-3155-10-45

 received in 2012-09-30, accepted in 2012-12-11,  发布年份 2012

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundVarious obstacles are encountered by mammalian spermatozoa during their journey through the female genital tract, and only few or none will reach the site of fertilization. Currently, there are limited technical approaches for non-invasive investigation of spermatozoa migration after insemination. As the knowledge surrounding sperm behavior throughout the female genital tract still remains elusive, the recent development of self-illuminating quantum dot nanoparticles may present a potential means for real-time in vitro and in vivo monitoring of spermatozoa.ResultsHere, we show the ability of boar spermatozoa to harmlessly interact and incorporate bioluminescent resonance energy transfer-conjugated quantum dot (BRET-QD) nanoparticles. The confocal microscope revealed in situ fluorescence of BRET-QD in the entire spermatozoon, while the ultra-structural analysis using the transmission electron microscope indicated BRET-QD localization on the sperm plasma membrane and intracellular compartment. In controlled-in vitro assays, bioluminescent imaging demonstrated that spermatozoa incubated with BRET-QD and luciferase substrate (coelenterazine) emit light (photons/sec) above the background, which confirmed the in situ fluorescence imaging. Most importantly, sperm motility, viability, and fertilizing potential were not affected by the BRET-QD incorporation when used at an appropriated ratio.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that pig spermatozoa can incorporate BRET-QD nanoparticles without affecting their motility and capacity to interact with the oocyte when used at an appropriated balance. We anticipate that our study will enable in-depth exploration of the male components of in vivo migration, fertilization, and embryonic development at the molecular level using this novel approach.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Feugang et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012