Abstract:
A peptide directs nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. A method of delivery of a nanoparticle to a plasma membrane of a cell includes providing to the cell a nanoparticle attached to a peptide configured to direct the nanoparticle the plasma membrane, and allowing the cell to take up the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle can be a FRET donor to an organic dye.
Abstract:
Described are peptides for delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol, the peptide comprising: (a) a nanoparticle association domain; (b) a proline-rich spacer domain; (c) an uptake domain; and (d) a vesicle escape domain comprising a non-hydrolyzable lipid moiety, wherein the spacer domain is between the nanoparticle association domain and the uptake and vesicle escape domains, and wherein the peptide, when attached to an extracellular nanoparticle, is effective to induce uptake of the nanoparticle by a cell and delivery of the nanoparticle to the cytosol of the cell. Also described are methods of delivery of a nanoparticle to the cytosol of a cell, the method comprising providing to a cell a nanoparticle attached to such a peptide. Exemplary nanoparticles include quantum dots.
Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting a vehicle from a pet scratching and shedding hair includes a first member having each of a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined size, a first predetermined thickness and which is substantially impermeable to such pet's nails. The first member extends over such vehicle's window ledge and downwardly a predetermined distance from such vehicle window ledge which is at least sufficient to prevent such pet's nails contacting such vehicle's paint. There is a second member having each of a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined size and a second predetermined thickness for preventing at least one of such pet's hair and wet and muddy paws from contacting a seat of such vehicle. A securing device is engageable with a first predetermined edge of the first member and a first predetermined edge of the second member for securing such first member to such second member.