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How Quantum Dots Aggregation Enhances Förster Resonant Energy Transfer
Author(s) -
Hottechamps Julie,
Noblet Thomas,
Brans Alain,
Humbert Christophe,
Dreesen Laurent
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.202000067
Subject(s) - förster resonance energy transfer , quantum dot , fluorescence , chemistry , resonant inductive coupling , biosensor , streptavidin , luminescence , molecule , nanotechnology , carbodiimide , cadmium telluride photovoltaics , photochemistry , chemical physics , energy transfer , materials science , optoelectronics , biotin , physics , biochemistry , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
As luminescent quantum dots (QDs) are known to aggregate themselves through their chemical activation by carbodiimide chemistry and their functionalization with biotin molecules, we investigate both effects on the fluorescence properties of CdTe QDs and their impact on Förster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) occurring with fluorescent streptavidin molecules (FA). First, the QDs fluorescence spectrum undergoes significant changes during the activation step which are explained thanks to an original analytical model based on QDs intra‐aggregate screening and inter‐QDs FRET. We also highlight the strong influence of biotin in solution on FRET efficiency, and define the experimental conditions maximizing the FRET. Finally, a free‐QD‐based system and an aggregated‐QD‐based system are studied in order to compare their detection threshold. The results show a minimum concentration limit of 80 nM in FA for the former while it is equal to 5 nM for the latter, favouring monitored aggregation in the design of QDs‐based biosensors.