Remote switching of cellular activity using light through quantum dots

Abstract

We report integration of CdTe quantum dot (QD) film with LnCap (prostate cancer) cell and CdSe QD probes with cortical neurons for control of cellular activity. We demonstrate the remote switching of cellular activity by exciting QDs with light. Changes in membrane potential and ionic currents are recorded using the patch-clamp method. Upon excitation, the cell shows activation of ion channels and hyperpolarization of the cell membrane.