Semiconductor nanocrystal probes for human metaphase chromosomes

To improve signal stability and quantitation, an optically stable, novel class of fluorophore for hybridization analysis of human metaphase chromosomes is demonstrated. Detection of hybridization sites in situ was based on fluorescence from streptavidin-linked inorganic crystals of cadmium selenide [(CdSe)ZnS]. Fluorescence of nanocrystal fluorophores was significantly brighter and more photostable than organic fluorophores Texas Red and fluorescein. Thus, semiconductor nanocrystal fluorophores offer a more stable and quantitative mode of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for research and clinical applications.