Luminescent properties of water-soluble denatured bovine serum albumin-coated CdTe quantum dots

Chemically reduced bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been used to modify the surface of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs). It is demonstrated that the denatured BSA (dBSA) can be conjugated to the surface of CdTe QDs and thereby efficiently improve the chemical stability and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of the QDs. It is inferred that a shell-like complex structure CdTe(x)(dBSA)(1-x) will form on the surface of the CdTe "core", resulting in the enhancement of PL intensity and the blue shift of the PL peak. This study of the effects of pH and dBSA concentration on optical properties of dBSA-coated QDs suggests that, at pH 6-9, the solution of dBSA-coated CdTe QDs can keep substantial stability and fluorescent brightness, whereas further increase of pH value leads to a dramatic decrease in PL QY and chemical stability. On the other hand, too high or too low initial dBSA concentration in the QD solution results in a decrease of PL QY for dBSA-coated CdTe QDs. This study provides a new approach of preparing stable water-soluble QDs with high PL QY and controllable luminescent colors for biological labeling applications.     

Substrate- and time-dependent photoluminescence of quantum dots inside the ultrathin polymer LbL film

The photoluminescence of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in different configurations at solid surfaces (glass, silicon, PDMS, and metals) is considered for three types of organization: QDs directly adsorbed on solid surfaces, separated from the solid surface by a nanoscale polymer film with different thickness, and encapsulated into a polymer film. The complete suppression of photoluminescence for QDs on conductive metal surfaces (copper, gold) indicated a strong quenching effect. The temporal variation of the photoluminescent intensity on other substrates (glass, silicon, and PDMS) can be tuned by placing the nanoscale (3-50 nm) LbL polymer film between QDs and the substrate. The photooxidation and photobleaching processes of QD nanoparticles in the vicinity of the solid surface can be tuned by proper selection of the substrate and the dielectric nanoscale polymer film placed between the substrate and QDs. Moreover, the encapsulation of QD nanoparticles into the polymer film resulted in a dramatic initial increase in the photoemission intensity due to the accelerated photooxidation process. The phenomenon of enhanced photoemission of QDs encapsulated into the ultrathin polymer film provides not only the opportunity for making flexible, ultrathin, QD-containing polymer films, transferable to any microfabricated substrate, but also improved light emitting properties.     

Surface chemistry studies of (CdSe)ZnS quantum dots at the air-water interface

Trioctylphosphine oxide- (TOPO-) capped (CdSe)ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were prepared through a stepwise synthesis. The surface chemistry behavior of the QDs at the air-water interface was carefully examined by various physical measurements. The surface pressure-area isotherm of the Langmuir film of the QDs gave an average diameter of 4.4 nm, which matched very well with the value determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements if the thickness of the TOPO cap was counted. The stability of the Langmuir film of the QDs was tested by two different methods, compression/decompression cycling and kinetic measurements, both of which indicated that TOPO-capped (CdSe)ZnS QDs can form stable Langmuir films at the air-water interface. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed the two-dimensional aggregation of the QDs in Langmuir films during the early stage of the compression process. However, at high surface pressures, the Langmuir film of QDs was more homogeneous and was capable of being deposited on a hydrophobic quartz slide by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film technique. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the LB films. The PL intensity of the LB film of QDs at the first emission maximum was found to increase linearly with increasing number of layers deposited onto the hydrophobic quartz slide, which implied a homogeneous deposition of the Langmuir film of QDs at surface pressures greater than 20 mN.m(-1).     

水相合成CdX (X＝Te, Te/CdS, Te/ZnS)红色量子点及毒性效应

分别以巯基乙酸(Mercaptoacetic Acid, MA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(Glutathione, GSH)为稳定剂在水相中直接合成了巯基乙酸CdTe (CdTe-MA)、红色巯基乙酸CdTe/CdS (CdTe/CdS-MA)、巯基乙酸CdTe/ZnS (CdTe/ZnS-MA)及谷胱甘肽CdTe (CdTe-GSH)量子点. 其中, CdTe-GSH量子点的量子产率可达47.3%. 体外溶血实验证实CdTe/ZnS-MA和CdTe-GSH量子点的溶血率较CdTe-MA和CdTe/CdS-MA低, 浓度为0.05 mmol/L的量子点溶血率＜5%, 达到了生物医用材料的要求. 活体实验证实: 通过尾静脉方式把量子点注入小鼠体内后, 荧光显微镜观察发现高剂量的量子点(0.4 mmol/10 g)在体内主要在心、肝、脾、肾组织中分布较多, 且引起不同程度的组织病变.     

CdTe/CdS量子点的Ⅰ-Ⅱ型结构转变与荧光性质

制备了壳层厚度可以精确控制的CdTe/CdS核壳量子点, 利用紫外-可见吸收光谱、光致发光光谱、透射电镜和时间分辨光谱等技术, 分析了CdS壳层厚度对CdTe量子点的荧光量子产率和光谱结构的影响规律. 发现了不同于CdSe/CdS, CdSe/ZnS, CdTe/ZnS等核壳量子点的荧光峰展宽、大幅度红移以及荧光寿命大幅度增加现象. 根据能带的位置关系, 随着CdS厚度的增加, CdTe从Ⅰ型结构逐渐过渡到Ⅱ型核壳结构. 对于Ⅱ型CdTe/CdS核壳量子点, 不仅存在CdTe核区导带电子与价带空穴间的直接复合, 还存在CdS壳层导带电子与CdTe核价带空穴界面处的间接复合, 发光机制的变化导致荧光峰的展宽、明显红移和荧光寿命的增加. 当壳层过厚时, 壳层表面新引入的缺陷会阻碍荧光寿命和量子产率的进一步提高.     

Ternary I-III-VI quantum dots luminescent in the red to near-infrared

We report the synthesis of a size series of copper indium selenide quantum dots (QDs) of various stoichiometries exhibiting photoluminescence (PL) from the red to near-infrared (NIR). The synthetic method is modular, and we have extended it to the synthesis of luminescent silver indium diselenide QDs. Previous reports on QDs luminescent in the NIR region have been primarily restricted to binary semiconductor systems, such as InAs, PbS, and CdTe. This work seeks to expand the availability of luminescent QD materials to ternary I-III-VI semiconductor systems.     

Time-dependent photoluminescence blue shift of the quantum dots in living cells: effect of oxidation by singlet oxygen

Time-dependent photoluminescence (PL) enhancement, blue shift, and photobleach were observed from the thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) ingested in mouse myoblast cells and human primary liver cancer cells. It was revealed that the PL blue shift resulted from the photooxidation of the QD core by singlet oxygen molecules formed on the QD core surface.     

Long-term exposure to CdTe quantum dots causes functional impairments in live cells

Several studies suggested that the cytotoxic effects of quantum dots (QDs) may be mediated by cadmium ions (Cd2+) released from the QDs cores. The objective of this work was to assess the intracellular Cd2+ concentration in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells treated with cadmium telluride (CdTe) and core/shell cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide (CdSe/ZnS) nanoparticles capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), cysteamine (Cys), or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugated to cysteamine. The Cd2+ concentration determined by a Cd2+-specific cellular assay was below the assay detection limit (<5 nM) in cells treated with CdSe/ZnS QDs, while in cells incubated with CdTe QDs, it ranged from approximately 30 to 150 nM, depending on the capping molecule. A cell viability assay revealed that CdSe/ZnS QDs were nontoxic, whereas the CdTe QDs were cytotoxic. However, for the various CdTe QD samples, there was no dose-dependent correlation between cell viability and intracellular [Cd2+], implying that their cytotoxicity cannot be attributed solely to the toxic effect of free Cd2+. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of CdTe QDs-treated cells imaged with organelle-specific dyes revealed significant lysosomal damage attributable to the presence of Cd2+ and of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be formed via Cd2+-specific cellular pathways and/or via CdTe-triggered photoxidative processes involving singlet oxygen or electron transfer from excited QDs to oxygen. In summary, CdTe QDs induce cell death via mechanisms involving both Cd2+ and ROS accompanied by lysosomal enlargement and intracellular redistribution.     

Exploring Feasibility for Application of Luminescent CdTe Quantum Dots Prepared in Aqueous Phase to Live Cell Imaging

Due to the quantum confinement, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) show some unique and fascinating optical properties, such as, sharp and symmetrical emission spectra, high quantum yield (QY), good chemical and photo-stability. These excellent optical prop…     

颜色可调的高荧光CdTe量子点的水相合成

以亚碲酸钠为碲源,硼氢化钠为还原剂,一步合成了巯基丁二酸(MSA)稳定的CdTe量子点.研究了反应液pH值、镉与碲的摩尔比及镉与巯基丁二酸的摩尔比等实验条件对CdTe量子点体系荧光量子产率的影响,并用荧光光谱、X射线粉末衍射及透射电子显微镜等对其进行了表征.结果表明,CdTe量子点具有闪锌矿结构,形貌呈球状;在pH=1...     

Temperature-sensitive photoluminescence of CdSe quantum dot clusters

The formation of narrow size dispersed and nanometer size aggregates (clusters) of cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) and their temperature-sensitive photoluminescence (PL) spectral properties close to room temperature (298 K) are discussed. CdSe QDs formed stable clusters with an average diameter of approximately 27 nm in the absence of coordinating solvents. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, we identified the association of individual QDs with 2-5 nm diameters into clusters of uniform size. A suspension of these clusters in different solvents exhibited reversible PL intensity changes and PL spectral shifts which were correlated with temperature. Although the PL intensity of CdSe QDs encapsulated in host matrixes and the solid state showed a response to temperature under cryogenic conditions, the current work identified for the first time QD clusters showing temperature-sensitive PL intensity variations and spectral shifts at moderate temperatures above room temperature. Temperature-sensitive reversible PL changes of clusters are discussed with respect to reversible thermal trapping of electrons at inter-QD interfaces and dipole-dipole interactions in clusters. Reversible luminescence intensity variations and spectral shifts of QD clusters show the potential for developing sensors based on QD nanoscale assemblies.     

碲化镉/马来酰亚胺三嗪纳米杂化材料的制备及其光性能研究

利用低温水相法, 以巯基丙酸(MPA)作为稳定剂制备了碲化镉(CdTe)量子点, 通过马来酰亚胺三嗪(TMT)中的三嗪基团与CdTe量子点表面富含的羧基之间的氢键作用, 得到了分散性能优良的纳米杂化材料. 利用紫外-可见吸收光谱、荧光光谱以及透射电子显微镜等手段对产物的光物理性质和形貌进行了表征. 结果表明, 马来酰亚胺三嗪与CdTe量子点杂化后, CdTe量子点的荧光发射峰有明显的蓝移, 在CdTe量子点和马来酰亚胺三嗪之间存在着能量转移, 并且纳米杂化材料的分散性也有明显的改善.     

Modification of CdTe quantum dots as temperature-insensitive bioprobes

CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in aqueous solution with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) as the stabilizer. The photoluminescence (PL) of CdTe QDs (3.5nm) is found to be temperature-dependent: as the temperature arising from 278K to 323K, the PL intensity declines to 50.2% of its original and PL emission peak shows obvious red-shift ( approximately 7nm). After modification of the QDs surface with denatured ovalbumin, the PL is more temperature-insensitive than before. The PL intensity retains more than 70% of its original and the emission peak shows less red-shift ( approximately 2nm). Moreover, it is found that the PL intensity and wavelength of denatured ovalbumin coated CdTe QDs are reversible during heating (323K)-cooling (278K) cycles. All the studies provide an important theoretical basis for searching temperature-insensitive bioprobes.     

Encapsulation of emitting CdTe QDs within silica beads to retain initial photoluminescence efficiency

Highly luminescent silica beads (30 nm-2 mum slashed circle) incorporating CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were prepared via a two-step preparation procedure, namely a modified St?ber synthesis and a subsequent reverse micelle route. In the modified St?ber synthesis, the silica molecules are deposited on the surface of the QDs. After this first step, these coated QDs were incorporated into silica beads via a reverse micelle route. Inductively coupled plasma analysis revealed a red-emitting silica bead of 30 nm in diameter thus prepared encapsulated roughly 14 CdTe QDs. These glass beads (30-40 nm slashed circle) retained the initial photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies of the colloidal QDs (27 and 65% for the green- and red-emitting beads, respectively). The protection of QDs by a silica layer at the first step, together with the short total reaction time, is the main reason for the retention of the PL efficiency. The size of the glass beads can be easily controlled over the wide range by adjusting the injection speed and the ratio of chemicals used for the reverse micelle preparation. Since the original efficiency was maintained in the beads and is the highest ever reported for QD-containing silica beads, the method presented here is of significant importance for applications of silica beads to biological probes.     

硫脲修饰法制备高发光性能CdTe量子点

通过巯基水解制备了具有优异荧光特性的碲化镉量子点. 详细研究前驱体镉离子与巯基丙酸(MPA)摩尔比、镉离子浓度等制备条件对大尺寸、高量子产率的亲水性碲化镉量子点光学性能的影响. 在不同的水热生长时间下, 可制备出荧光发射峰位于485-660 nm范围内的不同尺寸的碲化镉水溶性量子点, 荧光发射峰半高宽控制在40-75 nm之间, 量子点的最高量子产率(QY)达到了45%. 并利用硫脲缓慢水解和光解释放自由硫离子, 修饰碲化镉表面, 检测修饰后的量子点在12天内光学性能的变化情况. 通过考察硫脲用量对量子点修饰效果, 发现当n(CdTe)/n(thiourea)=1:4(量子点浓度以镉离子浓度计)时, 硫脲对发射峰为505 nm的碲化镉量子点修饰效果最为理想, 量子点荧光强度加强了5倍, 量子产率达到68.3%.     

功能性CdTe量子点荧光增敏法测定盐酸多巴胺

以CdTe量子点作为荧光探针,基于荧光增敏法对盐酸多巴胺进行了定量检测,考察了缓冲溶液体系、量子点浓度、反应时间等多种因素的影响。实验结果表明,在pH7.5的0.2 mol/L Na2HPO4-NaH2PO4缓冲液中,反应时间为20 min,盐酸多巴胺浓度为1.2×10-8~1.0×10-7mol/L时,其线性回归方程为△F=-27.47+25.54c(10-8mol/L),相关系数和检测限分别为0.9992和6×10-11mol/L。该方法为盐酸多巴胺的测定提供了新的方法。     

Synthesis of imidazolium‐functionalized ionic polyurethane and formation of CdTe quantum dot–polyurethane nanocomposites

A series of positively charged imidazolium‐functionalized ionic polyurethanes (IPUs) were prepared in one‐step polymerization process by polymerization of presynthesized short‐chain imidazolium‐based ionic diol, polyethylene glycols with different molecular weights as long‐chain diols, and toluylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. The structures of IPUs are confirmed by ¹H NMR analysis, and the thermogravimetric analysis measurement indicates that the IPUs have high degradation temperature. Fluorescent nanocrystal–polymer composites CdTe–IPU can be prepared conveniently, by the electrostatic interaction between positively charged IPUs and the negatively charged aqueous CdTe quantum dots (QDs). UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectra indicate the photochemical stability and strong fluorescent emission of CdTe–IPU composites. The quantum yields (QYs) of the composites are high and basically restore the QYs of the pure QDs. In addition, the transmission electron microscopy photographs show that the QDs in composites are uniform (about 3 nm in diameter) and monodisperse. The obtained nanocomposites are powder or elastomers with good film building. The casted CdTe–IPU films are transparent under visible light, and the colors of the composites and their films are vivid under a UV lamp. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Tuning Optical Properties of Si Quantum Dots by π‐Conjugated Capping Molecules

The absorption and photoluminescence (PL) properties of silicon quantum dots (QDs) are greatly influenced by their size and surface chemistry. Herein, we examined the optical properties of three Si QDs with increasing σ–π conjugation length: octyl‐, (trimethylsilyl)vinyl‐, and 2‐phenylvinyl‐capped Si QDs. The PL photon energy obtained from as‐prepared samples decreased by 0.1–0.3 eV, while the PL excitation (PLE) extended from 360 nm (octyl‐capped Si QDs) to 400 nm (2‐phenylvinyl‐capped Si QDs). A vibrational PL feature was observed in all samples with an energy separation of about 0.192±0.013 eV, which was explained based on electron–phonon coupling. After soft oxidization through drying, all samples showed blue PL with maxima at approximately 410 nm. A similar high‐energy peak was observed with the bare Si QD sample. The changes in the optical properties of Si QDs were mainly explained by the formation of additional states arising from the strong σ–π conjugation and QD oxidation.     

Subsecond luminescence intensity fluctuations of single CdSe quantum dots

Photoluminescence (PL) intermittency characteristics are examined for single quantum dots (QDs) in a CdSe QD sample synthesized at a slow rate at 75 degrees C. Although the PL quantum efficiency was relatively low ( approximately 0.25), we noticed that the PL intensity of single CdSe QDs fluctuated on a subsecond time scale with short-lived "on" and "off" states. The subsecond PL intensity fluctuations of CdSe QDs are different from "on" and "off" PL blinking generally observed for QDs fluctuating on a millisecond to minute time scale. We characterized single QDs by identifying polarized excitations, topographic imaging using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From analysis of the PL intensity trajectories from >100 single CdSe QDs, the average intermittency time was 213 ms. From the PL quantum efficiency, slow growth of QDs, intensity trajectory analyses, and previous reports relating surface trap states and PL properties of QDs, we attribute the subsecond PL intensity fluctuations of single CdSe QDs and short-lived "on" and "off" states to a high-density distribution of homogeneous surface trap states.     

Synthesis of CdTe Quantum Dots with Tunable Photoluminescence Using Tellurium Dioxide as Tellurium Source

A simple and convenient method has been developed for synthesis of water‐soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) under ambient atmospheric conditions. In contrast to the traditional aqueous synthesis, green to red emitting CdTe QDs were prepared by using TeO₂ to replace Te or Al₂Te₃ as tellurium source in this method. The influences of experimental variables, including pH value, 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)/Cd and Te/Cd molar ratios, on the emission peak and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of the obtained CdTe QDs have been systematically investigated. Experimental results indicate that green to red emitting CdTe QDs with a maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of 35.4% can be prepared at pH 11.3 and n_(Cd):n_(Te):n_(MPA)=1:0.1:1.7.