Open AccessQuantum-dot-conjugated graphene oxide as an optical tool for biosensor
Author(s) -
Erin Jenrette,
Sangram K. Pradhan,
Gugu Rutherford,
Jasmin Flowers,
Duc Ha,
A. K. Pradhan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.025017
Subject(s) - quantum dot , graphene , biosensor , biomolecule , förster resonance energy transfer , materials science , conjugated system , fluorescence , nanotechnology , nanosensor , nanoparticle , photoluminescence , quantum yield , quenching (fluorescence) , optoelectronics , optics , polymer , physics , composite material
We have demonstrated a novel platform of quantum dots (QDs) core-shell conjugated graphene oxide (GO) biosensor for effective protein detection. The advantage in making core shell nanostructure allows preserving stable QDs, by improving quantum yield, and lowering the toxicity of the core. Both QDs and GO are efficient nanoparticle systems that can potentially be used for drug delivery, diagnosis, and biosensors scaffolds. However, our study indicates that the conjugation between these two nanoparticle systems makes their properties even more effective. The change in fluorescent intensity through fluorescence resonance energy transfer from quantum dots to GO produced a novel method for detection of the target and allows for the optimization of the recognition limit of Bovine serum albumin (BSA) due to efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer as observed through time resolved relaxation spectroscopy. It is observed that the quenching of photoluminescence peak of QDs due to GO shell produced an applicable strategy and could be conveniently extended for detection of other biomolecules. We obtained significantly enhanced spectral signal through successful conjugation of GO with CdSe/CdS core shell, which can potentially be used for the detection of biomolecules with high sensitivity and selectivity. Our study underlines the efficiency of QD conjugated GO core shell in spectral detection of proteins even at very low concentration (0.25 mmol).