Synthesis and characterization of polymer-coated quantum dots with integrated acceptor dyes as FRET-based nanoprobes.
A fluorescence resonance energy transfer pair consisting of a colloidal quantum dot donor and multiple organic fluorophores as acceptors is reported and the photophysics of the system is characterized. Most nanoparticle-based biosensors reported so far use the detection of specific changes of the donor/acceptor distance under the influence of analyte binding. Our nanoparticle design on the other hand leads to sensors that detect spectral changes of the acceptor (under the influence of analyte binding) at fixed donor/acceptor distance by the introduction of the acceptor into the polymer coating. This approach allows for short acceptor-donor separation and thus for high-energy transfer efficiencies. Advantageously, the binding properties of the hydrophilic polymer coating further allows for addition of poly(ethylene glycol) shells for improved colloidal stability.
Fernandez-Argüelles
María Teresa
MT
Center for Nanoscience, Ludwig-Maximilans Universität Munich, Amalienstrasse 54, Munich, D-80799 München, Germany.
Yakovlev
Aleksey
A
Sperling
Ralph A
RA
Luccardini
Camilla
C
Gaillard
Stéphane
S
Medel
Alfredo Sanz
AS
Mallet
Jean-Maurice
JM
Brochon
Jean-Claude
JC
Feltz
Anne
A
Oheim
Martin
M
Parak
Wolfgang J
WJ
D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013499:Surface Properties
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols