Surface labeling of enveloped virus with polymeric imidazole ligand-capped quantum dots via the metabolic incorporation of phospholipids into host cells

Abstract

We report a general method for the preparation of quantum dot-labeled viruses through a strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction. The quantum dot sample was functionalized with methacrylate-based polymeric imidazole ligands (MA-PILs) bearing dibenzocyclooctyne groups. Enveloped measles virus was labeled with azide groups through the metabolic incorporation of a choline analogue into the host cell membrane, and then linked with the modified QDs. The virus retained its infectious ability against host cells after the modification with MA-PIL capped QDs.