Characterization and separation of semiconductor quantum dots and their conjugates by capillary electrophoresis

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are very important luminescent nanomaterials with a wide range of potential applications. Currently, QDs as labeling probes are broadly used in bioassays, including immunoassay, DNA hybridization, and bioimaging, due to their excellent physical and chemical properties, such as broad excitation spectra, narrow and size‐dependent emission profiles, long fluorescence life time, and good photostability. The characterization of QDs and their conjugates is crucial for their wide bioapplications. CE has become a powerful tool for the separation and characterization of QDs and their conjugates. In this review, some CE separation models of QDs are first introduced, mainly including CZE, CGE, MEKC, and ITP. And then, some key applications, such as the measurements of size, surface charge, and concentration of QDs and the characterization of QDs conjugates (e.g. QD–protein, QD–DNA, QD–small molecule), are also described. Finally, future perspectives are discussed.     

Quantum dots for single bio-molecule imaging.

The emerging nanomaterial, quantum dots or QDs, offers numerous potential applications in the biological area. As cell labeling probes, QDs become now an alternative of existing organic fluorescent dyes and fluorescent proteins. In this short review, we cover typical and successful applications of QDs as fluorescent probes in cell labeling and genomic diagnosis. As a future important application, biomolecular detection at a single molecule level utilizing QDs is also discussed.     

An ultra-sensitive DNA assay based on single-molecule detection coupled with hybridization accumulation and its application

An ultra-sensitive assay for quantification of DNA based on single-molecule detection coupled with hybridization accumulation was developed. In this assay, target DNA (tDNA) in solution was accumulated on a silanized substrate blocked with ethanolamine and bovine serum albumin (BSA) through a hybridization reaction between tDNA and capture DNA immobilized on the substrate. The tDNA on the substrate was labeled with quantum dots which had been modified with detection DNA and blocked with BSA. The fluorescence image of single QD-labeled tDNA molecules on the substrate was acquired using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The tDNA was quantified by counting the bright dots on the image from the QDs. The limit of detection of the DNA assay was as low as 6.4 × 10(-18) mol L(-1). Due to the ultra-high sensitivity, the DNA assay was applied to measure the beta-2-microglobulin messenger RNA level in single human breast cancer cells without a need for PCR amplification.     

水溶性量子点的制备及应用

高量子产率的水溶性量子点在众多领域如发光晶体、薄膜光激发器件,尤其是生物荧光标记中展现出巨大的潜在应用价值.量子点荧光明亮、稳定,激发光谱宽,发射光谱窄,且发射波长可通过改变材料的粒径大小和组成来调控,因而在生物样本尤其是活组织的多色成像中极为有用,能有效避免因样本自身发光和光散射导致的信号干扰.量子点的研究已成为一门新兴的交叉科学,是目前最有吸引力的研究领域之一.近年来,水溶性量子点作生物荧光标记物的研究取得了长足的进展.本文简述了量子点的结构特征及光学特性,重点综述了水溶性量子点的制备方法及应用研究进展,特别是它在生物、医学中作荧光探针的最新研究.     

基于罗丹明染料的金属阳离子荧光探针

罗丹明是以氧杂蒽为母体的碱性呫吨染料,具有优良的光学性质,如延伸到可见光区的吸收及荧光、高的荧光量子产率及大的摩尔吸光系数等,使其成为制备荧光探针的理想生色团。本文综述了近年来用于检测金属阳离子的罗丹明类荧光探针的研究进展,特别是对基于螺酰胺环“关-开”机理、荧光共振能量转移(FRET)机理和光诱导电子转移(PET)机理的罗丹明类铜离子、汞离子、铁离子荧光探针进行了系统的阐述,包括结构特征、检测水平和应用范围。最后提出了这类荧光探针面临的问题与发展趋势。     

Use of quantum dots in the development of assays for cancer biomarkers

Biomarker assays may be useful for screening and diagnosis of cancer if a set of molecular markers can be quantified and statistically differentiated between cancerous cells and healthy cells. Markers of disease are often present at very low concentrations, so methods capable of low detection limits are required. Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoparticles that are emerging as promising probes for ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers. QDs attached to antibodies, aptamers, oligonucleotides, or peptides can be used to target cancer markers. Their fluorescent properties have enabled QDs to be used as labels for in-vitro assays to quantify biomarkers, and they have been investigated as in-vivo imaging agents. QDs can be used as donors in assays involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), or as acceptors in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). The nanoparticles are also capable of electrochemical detection and are potentially useful for “lab-on-a-chip” applications. Recent developments in silicon QDs, non-blinking QDs, and QDs with reduced-size and controlled-valence further make these QDs bioanalytically attractive because of their low toxicity, biocompatibility, high quantum yields, and diverse surface modification flexibility. The potential of multiplexed sensing using QDs with different wavelengths of emission is promising for simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers of disease.

A competitive displacement assay with quantum dots as fluorescence resonance energy transfer donors

The unique optoelectronic properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) make them well-suited as fluorescent bioprobes for use in various biological applications. Modification of CdSe/ZnS QDs with biologically relevant molecules provides for multipotent probes that can be used for cellular labeling, bioassays, and localized optical interrogation by means of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Herein, we demonstrate the use of red-emitting streptavidin-coated QDs (QD₆₀₅) as donors in FRET to introduce a competitive displacement-based assay for the detection of oligonucleotides. Various QD–DNA bioconjugates featuring 25-mer probe sequences diagnostic of Hsp23 were prepared. The single-stranded oligonucleotide probes were hybridized to dye-labeled (Alexa Fluor 647) reporter sequences, which were provided for a FRET-sensitized emission signal due to proximity of the QD and dye. The dye-labeled sequence was designed to be partially complementary and include base-pair mismatches to facilitate displacement by a more energetically favorable, fully complementary recognition motif embedded within a 98-mer displacer sequence. Overall, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept at the nM level for competitive displacement hybridization assays in vitro by reduction of fluorescence intensity that directly correlates to the presence of oligonucleotides of interest. This work demonstrates an analytical method that could potentially be implemented for monitoring of intracellular gene expression in the future.     

Caged quantum dots

Photoactivatable organic fluorophores and fluorescent proteins have been widely adopted for cellular imaging and have been critical for increasing temporal and spatial resolution, as well as for the development of superresolution microscopy techniques. At the same time, semiconducting nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) have shown superior brightness and photostability compared to both organic fluorophores and proteins. As part of our efforts to develop nanoparticles with novel optical properties, we have synthesized caged quantum dots, which are nonluminescent under typical microscopic illumination but can be activated with stronger pulses of UV light. We show that ortho-nitrobenzyl groups efficiently quench QDs of different compositions and emissions and can be released from the nanoparticle surface with UV light, both in solution and in live cells. This caging is dependent on the emission of the QD, but it is effective through the visible spectrum into the nIR, offering a large array of new colors for photoactivatable probes. Like organic and protein-based photoactivatable probes, caged QDs can confer increased spatial and temporal resolution, with the added brightness and photostability of QDs.     

Semiconductor quantum dots for bioanalysis

Semiconductor nanoparticles, or quantum dots (QDs), have unique photophysical properties, such as size-controlled fluorescence, have high fluorescence quantum yields, and stability against photobleaching. These properties enable the use of QDs as optical labels for the multiplexed analysis of immunocomplexes or DNA hybridization processes. Semiconductor QDs are also used to probe biocatalytic transformations. The time-dependent replication or telomerization of nucleic acids, the oxidation of phenol derivatives by tyrosinase, or the hydrolytic cleavage of peptides by proteases are probed by using fluorescence resonance energy transfer or photoinduced electron transfer. The photoexcitation of QD-biomolecule hybrids associated with electrodes enables the photoelectrochemical transduction of biorecognition events or biocatalytic transformations. Examples are the generation of photocurrents by duplex DNA assemblies bridging CdS NPs to electrodes, and by the formation of photocurrents as a result of biocatalyzed transformations. Semiconductor nanoparticles are also used as labels for the electrochemical detection of DNA or proteins: Semiconductor NPs functionalized with nucleic acids or proteins bind to biorecognition complexes, and the subsequent dissolution of the NPs allows the voltammetric detection of the related ions, and the tracing of the recognition events.     

Sensitized chemiluminescence of CdTe quantum-dots on Ce(IV)-sulfite and its analytical applications

Water-soluble CdTe quantum-dots (QDs) of different sizes capped with thioglycolic acid (TGA) were synthesized via a microwave-assisted method. It was found that CdTe QDs, as a kind of sensitizer, could enhance the chemiluminescence (CL) emission from the redox reaction of SO3(2-) with Ce(IV) in acidic medium. In combination with the flow injection technique, the effects of reactant concentrations, the sizes of CdTe QDs, some organic compounds, and several electron transfer proteins on the CL emission were investigated in detail. The sensitized CL displayed the size-dependent effect and increased along with increasing the QDs sizes. Organic compounds containing OH, NH2, or SH groups, and some electron transfer proteins such as cytochrome c, hemoglobin and myoglobin, which readily interact with CdTe QDs, were observed to inhibit the CL signal of the Ce(IV)-SO3(2-)-CdTe QDs system, which made it applicable for the determination of such compounds and proteins. The CL enhancement mechanism was also discussed briefly on the basis of the photoluminescence (PL) and CL spectra. This work is not only of importance for gaining a better understanding of the unique optical and physical chemistry properties of semiconductor nanocrystals but also of great potential to find applications in many fields such as luminescence devices, bioanalysis, and multicolor labeling probes.     

Homogenous rapid detection of nucleic acids using two-color quantum dots

We report a homogenous method for rapid and sensitive detection of nucleic acids using two-color quantum dots (QDs) based on single-molecule coincidence detection. The streptavidin-coated quantum dots functioned as both a nano-scaffold and as a fluorescence pair for coincidence detection. Two biotinylated oligonucleotide probes were used to recognize and detect specific complementary target DNA through a sandwich hybridization reaction. The DNA hybrids were first caught and assembled on the surface of 605 nm-emitting QDs (605QDs) through specific streptavidin-biotin binding. The 525 nm-emitting QDs (525QDs) were then added to bind the other end of DNA hybrids. The coincidence signals were observed only when the presence of target DNA led to the formation of 605QD/DNA hybrid/525QD complexes. In comparison with a conventional QD-based assay, this assay provided high detection efficiency and short analysis time due to its high hybridization efficiency resulting from the high diffusion coefficient and no limitation of temperature treatment. This QD-based single-molecule coincidence detection offers a simple, rapid and ultra sensitive method for genomic DNA analysis in a homogenous format.     

Paramagnetic Particles Isolation of Influenza Oligonucleotide Labelled with CdS QDs

In this study, we describe hybridization design probes consisting of paramagnetic particles and quantum dots (QDs) with targeted DNA, and their application for detection of avian influenza virus (H5N1). Optical properties of QDs were beneficial, but the main attention was paid to the electroactivity of metal part of QDs and ODNs themselves. Differential pulse voltammetry was used for detection of cadmium(II) ions and square wave voltammetry for detection of cytosine–adenine peak in ODN-SH-Cd complex. It clearly follows from the obtained results that the optimized conditions were temperature of hybridization 25 °C, time of hybridization 35 min, and concentration of ODN-SH-Cd complex 20 μg mL^?1. The detection limit (3 signal/noise) was estimated as 15 ng mL^?1 of ODN-SH-Cd.     

Highly fluorescent streptavidin-coated CdSe nanoparticles: preparation in water, characterization, and micropatterning

CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with a high fluorescence quantum yield of 25% and a narrow size distribution were synthesized in a single step in water using glutathione as a stabilizing molecule. The exceptional optical properties enabled for the first time the detection of in-water-prepared single quantum dots at room temperature. For application as fluorescent bioanalytical probes, the QDs were coated with streptavidin. These QDs self-assemble with high contrast on micropatterned biotin while preserving their optical properties and their capability to bind in addition biotinylated molecules, a prerequisite for the development of novel supramolecular structures and bioassays.     

用于生物标记的半导体量子点研究

半导体量子点的独特光学性质使之成为理想的荧光探针材料,在生物医学领域具有广阔的应用前景.本文评述了目前量子点合成、表面修饰、结合生物分子的方法,以及半导体量子点在生物标记应用中相对于传统有机染料的优点.     

量子点与蛋白质相互作用热力学

量子点(QDs)具有宽激发窄发射、量子产率高、发射波长可调和抗光漂白等优异的光学性质,因而在生物医学成像与示踪、生物传感等方面有着广泛的应用前景。量子点进入生命体系后,首先会遇到蛋白质,量子点与蛋白质之间发生相互作用后,蛋白质的结构和功能会因此发生变化,量子点的性能及应用也会发生改变。研究量子点与蛋白质的相互作用规律,可以为量子点的精细设计、高效应用以及生物安全性评价提供理论依据。本文在总结国内外相关文献和本课题组工作的基础上,介绍了量子点与蛋白质相互作用的热力学方法;重点从热力学角度揭示量子点与蛋白质相互作用的机制。     

基于Mn掺杂ZnS量子点的室温磷光传感应用的研究进展

与一般有机染料分子相比,半导体材料量子点具有优异的光学性能,在多个领域得到了广泛的应用.量子点具有窄而对称且可调的发射波长、宽激发强吸收、抗光漂白能力强以及水溶性好等诸多优势,引起了研究者广泛关注.为了增加量子点的斯托克斯位移从而很好地避免量子点的自猝灭现象,引入掺杂物是一种很有效的方式.掺杂量子点不仅保留了量子点原有的优点,而且还赋予量子点额外的优异性能.如Mn掺杂ZnS量子点生物相容性好,不含Cd和Hg等有害元素,而且Mn2+的加入使其具有优异的室温磷光特性.磷光检测能很好地避开生物背景荧光的干扰,使得Mn掺杂ZnS量子点能够广泛应用于磷光生物分析.本文综述了Mn掺杂ZnS量子点在室温磷光分析中的研究进展,着重介绍了几种具有启发意义的设计策略,包括其发光机理以及应用于离子、分子以及生物大分子等的检测.     

The Application of Amine‐Terminated Silicon Quantum Dots on the Imaging of Human Serum Proteins after Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE)

Novel amine‐terminated silicon (Si) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and applied for the detection of human serum proteins on gels directly after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The diameter of these stable amine‐terminated Si QDs was in the range of 0.5–2.0 nm. In this study, the fluorescent imaging conditions, such as the buffer solution, pH value, buffer concentration and quantity of Si QDs, were optimized and the possible mechanisms of Si QDs–protein interaction were analyzed. The mode of Si QDs and human serum albumin association was found to occur by hydrogen bond interactions; this was probably attributed to the interaction between the amino group of amine‐terminated Si QDs and the carboxyl group of proteins. Meanwhile, human serum proteins separated by native 1D and native 2D electrophoresis were detected by Si QD‐based fluorescent imaging. Some proteins, such as isoform 1 of α‐1‐antitrypsin, complement C3 (Fragment) and hemopexin, which were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), were easily detected by using Si QDs, but not with CBB‐R250 staining. The Si QDs‐based fluorescent imaging technique with high resolution is a sensitive and dependable method for direct detection of human serum proteins, and has enormous potential in clinical diagnosis.     

Label-free and non-enzymatic detection of DNA based on hybridization chain reaction amplification and dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles

A label-free and non-enzymatic amplification fluorescent method for detection of DNA has been developed by using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). First, the biotinylated capture DNA probes were immobilized on the streptavidin-modified beads through the interaction of biotin and streptavidin. Then, target DNA hybridized with the capture DNA probes, which formed a hybridized DNA with sticky end. The sticky end triggered the HCR process and formation of dsDNA polymers while two hairpin probes coexisted. Subsequently, the dsDNA polymers were employed as template for synthesis of CuNPs with excellent fluorescent properties, which provided a label-free, non-enzymatic signal response. Meanwhile, the fluorescence sensing depended on the target DNA triggered HCR, which render this method a high selectivity against single-base mismatch sequences. The concept and methodology developed in this work show great promise in the quantitative detection of DNA in biological and medical applications.     

Nucleic acid-based fluorescent probes and their analytical potential

It is well known that nucleic acids play an essential role in living organisms because they store and transmit genetic information and use that information to direct the synthesis of proteins. However, less is known about the ability of nucleic acids to bind specific ligands and the application of oligonucleotides as molecular probes or biosensors. Oligonucleotide probes are single-stranded nucleic acid fragments that can be tailored to have high specificity and affinity for different targets including nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and ions. One can divide oligonucleotide-based probes into two main categories: hybridization probes that are based on the formation of complementary base-pairs, and aptamer probes that exploit selective recognition of nonnucleic acid analytes and may be compared with immunosensors. Design and construction of hybridization and aptamer probes are similar. Typically, oligonucleotide (DNA, RNA) with predefined base sequence and length is modified by covalent attachment of reporter groups (one or more fluorophores in fluorescence-based probes). The fluorescent labels act as transducers that transform biorecognition (hybridization, ligand binding) into a fluorescence signal. Fluorescent labels have several advantages, for example high sensitivity and multiple transduction approaches (fluorescence quenching or enhancement, fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence lifetime, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and excimer-monomer light switching). These multiple signaling options combined with the design flexibility of the recognition element (DNA, RNA, PNA, LNA) and various labeling strategies contribute to development of numerous selective and sensitive bioassays. This review covers fundamentals of the design and engineering of oligonucleotide probes, describes typical construction approaches, and discusses examples of probes used both in hybridization studies and in aptamer-based assays.