Targeting imaging of bladder urothelial cancer cells with quantum dots - prostate stem cell antigen fluorescent probes

Objective To prepare the fluorescent probes of quantum dots conjugated with prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) monoclonal antibody (QDs-PSCA), study their specific labeling imaging of bladder cancer cells, analyze the feasible of non-invasive tumor-targeted imaging in vivo, provide the experimental basis for non-invasive tumor-targeted imaging in vivo. Methods The method of chemical covalent coupling was used to prepare QD605-PSCA fluorescent probes, then, the absorption spectrum and emission spectrum of probes were measured. Direct immunofluorescence labeling was utilized to detect the targeted imaging of the probes for bladder cancer EJ cells and observe the duration of the fluorescence after labeling. Results The QD605-PSCA probes still had fluorescent properties of QD605. The probes could specifically recognize PSCA protein in bladder cancer cells, the specific fluorescence was mainly expressed in the cell membrane of living cells, the fluorescence was stable and had a longer duration. Conclusion The QDs-PSCA fluorescent probes could have the ability of specific targeted labeling and imaging with bladder cancer cells, and the probes possess good optical stability. This is contributed to the research development of bladder cancer-targeted non-invasive imaging in vivo, tumor early diagnosis and targeted therapy. Key words: Quantum dots; Bladder cancer; Cell labeling; Fluorescent probe