Quantum dots as donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer for the bioanalysis of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biological molecules.
Quantum dots (QDs) have a number of unique optical properties that are advantageous in the development of bioanalyses based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Researchers have used QDs as energy donors in FRET schemes for the analysis of nucleic acids, proteins, proteases, haptens, and other small molecules. This paper reviews these applications of QDs. Existing FRET technologies can potentially be improved by using QDs as energy donors instead of conventional fluorophores. Superior brightness, resistance to photobleaching, greater optimization of FRET efficiency, and/or simplified multiplexing are possible with QD donors. The applicability of the Förster formalism to QDs and the feasibility of using QDs as energy acceptors are also reviewed.
Algar
W Russ
WR
Chemical Sensors Group, Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. North, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
Krull
Ulrich J
UJ
D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D058619:Maltose-Binding Proteins; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D038761:Photobleaching; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D045663:Quantum Dots; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D058619:Maltose-Binding Proteins; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins