Quantum dots as a fluorescent labeling tool for live-cell imaging of Leptospira.

In this study, cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) was synthesized and modified surface with concanavalin A (ConA), a carbohydrate-binding lectin and known biological probe for Gram-negative bacteria to obtain ConA-QDs. The QDs can effectively bind on Leptospira and exhibit strong fluorescence under simple fluorescence microscopy, allowing the live-cell imaging of the bacteria.  This technique could be further applied to track leptospiral cells and study the infection mechanism, contributing to a more thorough understanding of leptospirosis and how to control it in the future.