Compact,Polyvalent Mannose Quantum Dots as Sensitive,Ratiometric FRET Probes for Multivalent Protein–Ligand Interactions

A highly efficient cap‐exchange approach for preparing compact, dense polyvalent mannose‐capped quantum dots (QDs) has been developed. The resulting QDs have been successfully used to probe multivalent interactions of HIV/Ebola receptors DC‐SIGN and DC‐SIGNR (collectively termed as DC‐SIGN/R) using a sensitive, ratiometric Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay. The QD probes specifically bind DC‐SIGN, but not its closely related receptor DC‐SIGNR, which is further confirmed by its specific blocking of DC‐SIGN engagement with the Ebola virus glycoprotein. Tuning the QD surface mannose valency reveals that DC‐SIGN binds more efficiently to densely packed mannosides. A FRET‐based thermodynamic study reveals that the binding is enthalpy‐driven. This work establishes QD FRET as a rapid, sensitive technique for probing structure and thermodynamics of multivalent protein–ligand interactions.     

Impact of FRET between Molecular Aggregates and Quantum Dots

Energy transfer has been employed in third‐generation solar cells for the conversion of light into electrical energy. Long‐range nonradiative energy transfer from semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) to fluorophores has been demonstrated by using CdS QDs and thiophene?BODIPY (boron dipyrromethene, abbreviated as TG2). TG2 shows a broad photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, which varies with concentration. At very low concentrations, monomeric units are present; then, upon increasing the concentration, these monomers form a mixed (J‐/H‐)aggregated state. Energy transfer between the CdS QDs and TG2 was confirmed by separately investigating the interactions between CdS and the monomer of TG2 and between CdS and the aggregated states of TG2. Size‐dependent PL quenching confirmed that nonradiative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from photoexcited CdS QDs to the J‐aggregate state of TG2 was the major energy‐relaxation channel, which occurred on the timescale of hundreds of fs. These results have broad applications in the field of light harvesting based on the assembly of molecular aggregates.     

Single‐Nanoparticle Cell Barcoding by Tunable FRET from Lanthanides to Quantum Dots

Fluorescence barcoding based on nanoparticles provides many advantages for multiparameter imaging. However, creating different concentration‐independent codes without mixing various nanoparticles and by using single‐wavelength excitation and emission for multiplexed cellular imaging is extremely challenging. Herein, we report the development of quantum dots (QDs) with two different SiO₂ shell thicknesses (6 and 12 nm) that are coated with two different lanthanide complexes (Tb and Eu). FRET from the Tb or Eu donors to the QD acceptors resulted in four distinct photoluminescence (PL) decays, which were encoded by simple time‐gated (TG) PL intensity detection in three individual temporal detection windows. The well‐defined single‐nanoparticle codes were used for live cell imaging and a one‐measurement distinction of four different cells in a single field of view. This single‐color barcoding strategy opens new opportunities for multiplexed labeling and tracking of cells.     

Positively Charged Compact Quantum Dot–DNA Complexes for Detection of Nucleic Acids

Selective DNA detection: The fluorescence, from stable cationic QDs, is quenched by 90% on complexation with modified DNA molecules. The QD–DNA probe is capable of detecting pathogenic DNA fragments at concentrations as low as 200 nM in solution and shows selective fluorescence recovery in the presence of target DNA (see spectrum c in figure) vs noncomplementary DNA (spectrum d).

     

CdS Quantum Dots as Fluorescence Probes for Detection of Adriamycin Hydrochloride

IntroductionQuantum dots(QDs) have generated a great dealof interest because of their quantum confinement andsurface properties, which make possible the absorptionand emission of size-tuned QDs, thereby resulting inlarge Stokes shifts[1,2]. Because of the…     

CdS-ZnSe和CdSe-ZnS量子点的合成和F(o)rster能量转移研究

采用分步合成法成功合成了CdS-ZnSe(Ⅰ型)和CdSe-ZnS(Ⅱ型)核-壳结构量子点.并首次构建了CdS-ZnSe/CdSe-ZnS结构F(o)rster能量转移对.利用吸收光谱(UV-Vis),光致发光谱(PL),时间分辨光致发光谱(TRPL),透射电子显微镜(TEM)对比研究了不同配比的CdS-ZnSe/CdSe-ZnS结构Fö rster能量转移.分析结果表明:在能量转移发生时,CdS-ZnSe荧光强度显著下降,荧光寿命明显缩短,F(o)rster能量转移确实存在于CdS-ZnSe/CdSe-ZnS量子点之间.     

Protein‐Directed Synthesis of Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots: A Dual‐Channel Biosensor for Two Proteins

Proteins typically have nanoscale dimensions and multiple binding sites with inorganic ions, which facilitates the templated synthesis of nanoparticles to yield nanoparticle–protein hybrids with tailored functionality, water solubility, and tunable frameworks with well‐defined structure. In this work, we report a protein‐templated synthesis of Mn‐doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) by exploring bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the template. The obtained Mn‐doped ZnS QDs give phosphorescence emission centered at 590 nm, with a decay time of about 1.9 ms. A dual‐channel sensing system for two different proteins was developed through integration of the optical responses (phosphorescence emission and resonant light scattering (RLS)) of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs and recognition of them by surface BSA phosphorescent sensing of trypsin and RLS sensing of lysozyme. Trypsin can digest BSA and remove BSA from the surface of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs, thus quenching the phosphorescence of QDs, whereas lysozyme can assemble with BSA to lead to aggregation of QDs and enhanced RLS intensity. The detection limits for trypsin and lysozyme were 40 and 3 nM , respectively. The selectivity of the respective channel for trypsin and lysozyme was evaluated with a series of other proteins. Unlike other protein sensors based on nanobioconjugates, the proposed dual‐channel sensor employs only one type of QDs but can detect two different proteins. Further, we found the RLS of QDs can also be useful for studying the BSA–lysozyme binding stoichiometry, which has not been reported in the literature. These successful biosensor applications clearly demonstrate that BSA not only serves as a template for growth of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs, but also impacts the QDs for selective recognition of analyte proteins.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Copper-Doped Zinc Selenide Quantum Dots as Fluorescence Probes for Sparfloxacin

Copper-doped zinc selenide quantum dots modified with mercaptopropionic acid were prepared. The fluorescence quenching of the quantum dots was directly proportional to sparfloxacin concentration. A novel method was established to determine sparfloxacin using the copper-doped zinc selenide quantum dots as fluorescent probes. The interaction between the quantum dots and sparfloxacin was investigated by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. A linear relationship was obtained between the quenched fluorescence and sparfloxacin concentration from 1 × 10^?6 to 1.8 × 10^?5 moles per liter in KH₂PO₄-Na₂HPO₄ buffer at pH 7.5 using copper-doped zinc selenide quantum dots at 2.9 × 10^?6 moles per liter. The limit of detection for sparfloxacin was 2.4 × 10^?9 moles per liter. The method was used for the determination of sparfloxacin in tablets and water with satisfactory results.     

A Novel Method for Uric Acid Determination Using CdS Quantum Dots as Fluorescence Probes

A novel method has been developed for uric acid analysis based on the quenching of fluorescence emission from CdS quantum dots by uric acid. Also, the effect of the presence of different surfactant agents, in order to improve the fluorescent signals of the CdS QDs, has been investigated, and the cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was selected. Under optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear over the range of 0.1 ng/mL to 12.0 ng/mL (r = 0.9950). The limit of detection (S/N = 3) was 0.1 ng/mL. The RSD for ten determinations of 5.0 ng/mL uric acid was 3.5%. The method was applied to determine uric acid in human serum and urine sample with satisfactory results.     

基于碳量子点荧光探针测定法莫替丁的研究

以木炭为碳源,采用回流的方法制备了碳量子点。用荧光光谱、紫外光谱法研究了该碳量子点与法莫替丁的相互作用。实验发现,在pH为7.1的Tris-HCl缓冲溶液中,法莫替丁的加入可使碳量子点荧光信号显著增强,其浓度在8.0×10~(-9)~1.0×10~(-7) mol/L范围内与碳量子点荧光信号强度的增加值△F呈良好的线性关系,相关系数r为0.9993。据此,提出了以碳量子点为荧光探针测定法莫替丁的新方法,方法检出限(3s/k)为2.0×10~(-9) mol/L。该方法简便、快捷、灵敏,应用于样品中法莫替丁含量的测定,回收率范围为98.50%~103.2%。     

CdTe/CdS量子点荧光探针测定司帕沙星含量

在水溶液中合成了巯基乙酸修饰的CdTe/CdS量子点(QDs), 基于喹诺酮类抗生素司帕沙星与CdTe/CdS量子点的荧光猝灭作用, 建立了用CdTe/CdS量子点作为荧光探针检测微量司帕沙星的新方法. 用荧光光谱、紫外光谱研究了CdTe/CdS QDs与司帕沙星的相互作用. 研究表明: 该荧光猝灭的机理属于静态猝灭, 反应的作用机理可能是司帕沙星促使QDs表面键合的有机分子发生变化, 在Cd的电子空穴上形成了碲氧复合物, 致使荧光猝灭. 实验发现, pH为6.50的磷酸缓冲溶液中, 量子点的浓度为3.75×10^－4 mol/L时, 司帕沙星的浓度在0.1～50 μg/mL范围与CdTe/CdS量子点荧光猝灭强度呈良好的线性关系, 相关系数0.9992, 检出限0.01399 μg/mL. 该方法简便、快捷、灵敏、线性范围宽, 应用于司帕沙星片剂司帕沙星含量的测定, 分析结果与标示量一致; 用于牛奶中司帕沙星残留量的检测, 回收率在93.1%～102.4%, 结果满意.     

Preparation of High‐Performance Water‐Soluble Quantum Dots for Biorecognition through Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

An improved method for the synthesis of high‐performance and water‐soluble quantum dots (QDs) involving the encapsulation of mercaptosuccinic acid coated QDs (MSA‐QDs) with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) followed by their direct photoactivation with fluorescent radiation near 295 K to yield PDDA‐coated QDs (PDDA‐QDs) has been demonstrated. The quantum yield (QY) of the PDDA‐QDs was significantly improved from 0.6 (QY of MSA‐QDs) to 48 %. By using this synthetic strategy, highly photoluminescent PDDA‐QDs of varied size were readily prepared. The surface properties of PDDA‐QDs and MSA‐QDs were extensively characterized. The highly luminescent and positively charged PDDA‐QDs serve as a useful and convenient tool for protein adsorption. With a Δ⁵‐3‐ketosteroid isomerase adsorbed PDDA‐QD complex, the biorecognition of steroids was demonstrated through the application of fluorescent resonance energy transfer.     

Taking Advantage of Hydrophobic Fluorine Interactions for Self‐Assembled Quantum Dots as a Delivery Platform for Enzymes

Self‐assembly of nanoparticles provides unique opportunities as nanoplatforms for controlled delivery. By exploiting the important role of noncovalent hydrophobic interactions in the engineering of stable assemblies, nanoassemblies were formed by the self‐assembly of fluorinated quantum dots in aqueous medium through fluorine–fluorine interactions. These nanoassemblies encapsulated different enzymes (laccase and α‐galactosidase) with encapsulation efficiencies of ≥74 %. Importantly, the encapsulated enzymes maintained their catalytic activity, following Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Under an acidic environment the nanoassemblies were slowly disassembled, thus allowing the release of encapsulated enzymes. The effective release of the assayed enzymes demonstrated the feasibility of this nanoplatform to be used in pH‐mediated enzyme delivery. In addition, the as‐synthesized nanoassemblies, having a diameter of about 50 nm, presented high colloidal stability and fluorescence emission, which make them a promising multifunctional nanoplatform.     

The Application of CdSe Quantum Dots with Multicolor Emission as Fluorescent Probes for Cell Labeling

Herein, highly luminescent CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with emissions from the blue to the red region of visible light were synthesized by using a simple method. The emission range of the CdSe QDs could be tuned from λ=503 to 606 nm by controlling the size of the CdSe QDs. Two amino acids, L ‐tryptophan (L ‐Trp) and L ‐arginine (L ‐Arg), were used as coating agents. The quantum yield (QY) of CdSe QDs (green color) with an optimized thickness could reach up to 52 %. The structures and compositions of QDs were examined by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Optical properties were studied by using UV/Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and a comparison was made between uncoated and coated CdSe QDs. The amino acid‐modified β‐cyclodextrin (CD)‐coated CdSe QDs presented lower cytotoxicity to cells for 48 h. Furthermore, amino acid‐modified β‐CD‐coated green CdSe QDs in HepG2 cells were assessed by using confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that amino acid‐modified β‐CD‐coated green CdSe QDs could enter tumor cells efficiently and indicated that biomolecule‐coated QDs could be used as a potential fluorescent probe.