A hybrid quantum dot-antibody fragment fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based TNT sensor.
We demonstrate the use of luminescent QDs conjugated to antibody fragments to develop solution-phase nanoscale sensing assemblies, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the specific detection of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in aqueous environments. The hybrid sensor consists of anti-TNT specific antibody fragments attached to a hydrophilic QD via metal-affinity coordination. A dye-labeled TNT analogue prebound in the antibody binding site quenches the QD photoluminescence via proximity-induced FRET. Analysis of the data collected at increasing dye-labeled analogue to QD ratios provided an insight into understanding how the antibody fragments self-assemble on the QD. Addition of soluble TNT displaces the dye-labeled analogue, eliminating FRET and resulting in a concentration-dependent recovery of QD photoluminescence. Sensor performance and specificity were evaluated.
Goldman
Ellen R
ER
Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375, USA. erg@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil
Medintz
Igor L
IL
Whitley
Jessica L
JL
Hayhurst
Andrew
A
Clapp
Aaron R
AR
Uyeda
H Tetsuo
HT
Deschamps
Jeffrey R
JR
Lassman
Michael E
ME
Mattoussi
Hedi
H
D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D045663:Quantum Dots; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D014303:Trinitrotoluene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D007128:Immunoglobulin Fragments; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D012987:Soil; D013440:Sulfides; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D014303:Trinitrotoluene; C058667:cadmium selenide; C031238:zinc sulfide