Differences between Neutrophilic Granulocytes and Lymphocytes in Fixation of Quantum Dots of Different Composition

Studies by flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis have shown that fixation/internalization of quantum dots differ in lymphocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes. Punctate fixation of quantum dots to cell surface is characteristic of lymphocytes, while phagocytosis with perinuclear location of quantum dot aggregations is characteristic of neutrophils. The presence of complex functional groups on the surface of quantum dots can inhibit significantly the fixation/internalization of quantum dots by blood cells.