Transport of Semiconductor Nanocrystals by Kinesin Molecular Motors

Biotin-functionalized quantum dots were synthesized and conjugated to kinesin molecular motors through a neutravidin bridging molecule (see figure). Quantum dot–kinesin complexes were visualized moving along immobilized microtubules by either total internal reflection fluorescence or epifluorescence microscopy. This study provides a new approach for long-term biomotor imaging and establishes a model for biomotor-driven nanoparticle transport and assembly.