Double channel emission from a redox active single component quantum dot complex

The construction of dual-emissive ratiometric fluorescent probes based on fluorescent nanoparticles for the detection of metal ions and small molecules

With the rapid development of fluorescent nanoparticles (FNPs), such as CDs, QDs, and MOFs, the construction of FNP-based probes has played a key role in improving chemical sensors. Ratiometric fluorescent probes exhibit distinct advantages, such as resistance to environmental interference and achieving visualization. Thus, FNP-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent probes (DRFPs) have rapidly developed in the field of metal ion and small molecule detection in the past few years. In this review, firstly we introduce the fluorescence sensing mechanisms; then, we focus on the strategies for the fabrication of DRFPs, including hybrid FNPs, single FNPs with intrinsic dual emission and target-induced new emission, and DRFPs based on auxiliary nanoparticles. In the section on hybrid FNPs, methods to assemble two types of FNPs, such as chemical bonding, electrostatic interaction, core satellite or core-shell structures, coordination, and encapsulation, are introduced. In the section on single FNPs with intrinsic dual emission, methods for the design of dual-emission CDs, QDs, and MOFs are discussed. Regarding target-induced new emission, sensitization, coordination, hydrogen bonding, and chemical reaction induced new emissions are discussed. Furthermore, in the section on DRFPs based on auxiliary nanoparticles, auxiliary nanomaterials with the inner filter effect and enzyme mimicking activity are discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and an outlook on the future of DRFP are presented. We sincerely hope that this review will contribute to the quick understanding and exploration of DRFPs by researchers.

Surface-dependent quenching of Qdot emission can be a new tool for high resolution measurements

Single quantum dots (Qdots) are often used in the field of single-molecule imaging. Qdots are sensitive to changes in the physical interactions between the Qdots and the surrounding materials. However, the spectral changes in a single Qdot emission have not been studied in detail. Low-temperature plasma treatment of glass surfaces reduced the intensity of the 655 nm emission peak of Qdot655 on glass surfaces, but did not significantly change the intensity of the 580 nm emission. Silanization of the glass surface increases the thickness of the silane layer, and the 655 nm emission peak increased. When single Qdots on the untreated glass were imaged, plasma treatment decreased the intensity of red emission and increased yellow emission. When Qdots were brought close to the glass surface in the range of 28-0 nm, the red emission intensity decreased and the yellow emission intensity increased slightly. When single actin filaments were labeled with Qdots, fluctuations of the yellow and red emission of the Qdot were detected, which reflected the very small distance changes. Our results indicate that the local interaction of Qdots with the glass surface improves the spatial and temporal resolution of optical measurements of biomolecules labeled with Qdots.

Nanotechnology-Assisted, Single-Chromophore-Based White-Light-Emitting Organic Materials with Bioimaging Properties

White-light-emitting (WLE) organic materials, especially small molecules comprising a single chromophoric unit, have received much attention due to their tremendous use in modern-day electronic devices and biomaterials. They can increase the efficiency and lifetime of devices compared to the currently used combination approach. Herein, we explored a small symmetric push-pull organic molecule Hexyl-TCBD with a single 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) chromophoric unit containing urea as a key functional group on an acceptor-donor∼donor-acceptor (A-D∼D-A) backbone for its ability to show white-light emission in solution as well as in the solid state. The luminescence was absent in the solid state due to the H-bonding- and π-stacking-driven quenching processes, while emission behavior in solution was tunable with variable CIE chromaticity index values via hydrogen (H)-bonding-governed disaggregation phenomena. Translation of WLE from the Hexyl-TCBD solution to a solid state was demonstrated by utilizing nonemissive polystyrene (80 wt % with respect to the chromophore) as the matrix to obtain WLE nanofibers (made by the electrospun technique) via segregating the molecules. The optical microscopy study validated the WLE nanofibers. The presence of multicolor photoluminescence, including white light, could be fine-tuned through various excitation wavelengths, solvent polarities, and polystyrene matrices. Furthermore, the detailed photophysical studies, including lifetime measurements, indicated that the inherent intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) bands of Hexyl-TCBD exhibit better ICT state stabilization by space charge distribution through the modulation of H-bonding between urea groups. Finally, a cytotoxicity study was performed for Hexyl-TCBD on normal and cancer cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to explore bioimaging applications in biosystems. MTT results revealed significant toxicity toward cancer cells, whereas normal cells exhibited good biocompatibility.

The quantum dot-FRET-based detection of vitamin B12 at a picomolar level

Herein we report the picomolar level detection of vitamin B12 (VB12) using orange-red emitting ligand-free Mn²⁺-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs; λ _em = 587 nm) in an aqueous dispersion. Sensing was achieved following the quenching of the luminescence of the Mn²⁺-doped ZnS QDs with an increasing concentration of VB12. The Stern-Volmer constant was determined to be 5.2 × 10¹⁰ M^-1. Importantly, the Mn²⁺-doped ZnS QDs exhibited high sensitivity towards VB12, with a limit of detection as low as 1.15 ± 0.06 pM (in the linear range of 4.9-29.4 pM) and high selectivity in the presence of interfering amino acids, metal ions, and proteins. Notably, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism was primarily proposed for the observed quenching of luminescence of Mn²⁺-doped ZnS QDs upon the addition of VB12. The Förster distance (R _o) and energy transfer efficiency (E) were calculated to be 2.33 nm and 79.3%, respectively. Moreover, the presented QD-FRET-based detection may bring about new avenues for future biosensing applications.

Chemical Reactions Involving the Surface of Metal Chalcogenide Quantum Dots

This invited feature article focuses on the chemical reactions involving the surface ions of colloidal quantum dots (Qdots). Emphasis is placed on ion-exchange, redox, and complexation reactions. The pursuit of reactions involving primarily the cations on the surface results in changes in the optical properties of the Qdots and also may confer new properties owing to the newly formed surface species. For example, the cation-exchange reaction, leading to systematic removal of the cations present on the as-synthesized Qdots, enhances the photoluminescence quantum yield. On the other hand, redox reactions, involving the dopant cations in the Qdots, could not only modulate the photoluminescence quantum yield but also give rise to new emission not present in the as-synthesized Qdots. Importantly, the cations present on the surface could be made to react with external organic ligands to form inorganic complexes, thus providing a new species defined as the quantum dot complex (QDC). In the QDC, the properties of Qdots and the inorganic complex are not only present but also enhanced. Furthermore, by varying reaction conditions such as the concentrations of the species and using a mixture of ligands, the properties could be further tuned and multifunctionalization of the Qdot could be achieved. Thus, chemical, magnetic, and optical properties could be simultaneously conferred on the same Qdot. This has helped in externally controlled bioimaging, white light generation involving individual quantum dots, and highly sensitive molecular sensing. Understanding the species (i.e., the newly formed inorganic complex) on the surface of the Qdot and its chemical reactivity provide unique options for futuristic technological applications involving a combination of an inorganic complex and a Qdot.

A two-target responsive reversible ratiometric pH nanoprobe: a white light emitting quantum dot complex

Ratiometric pH sensing in the physiological range of pH 6.5–10.3 by a white light emitting quantum dot complex – following the changes in luminescence intensity ratio, color and chromaticity – is described herein.

Surface Complexed ZnO Quantum Dot for White Light Emission with Controllable Chromaticity and Color Temperature

We report the formation of blue emitting Zn(MSA)₂ complex on the surface of a yellow emitting ZnO quantum dot (Qdot)-out of a complexation reaction between N-methylsalicylaldimine (MSA) and ZnO Qdot. This led to formation of a highly luminescent, photostable, single-component nanocomposite that emits bright natural white light, with (i) chromaticities of (0.31, 0.38) and (0.31, 0.36), (ii) color rendering indices (CRI) of 74 and 82, and (iii) correlated color temperatures (CCT) of 6505 and 6517 K in their solution and solid phases, respectively. Importantly, the control over the chromaticity and CCT-depending upon the degree of complexation-makes the reported nanocomposite a potential new advanced material in fabricating cost-effective single-component white light emitting devices (WLED) of choice and design in the near future.

Gold Nanocluster and Quantum Dot Complex in Protein for Biofriendly White-Light-Emitting Material

We report the synthesis of a biofriendly highly luminescent white-light-emitting nanocomposite. The composite consisted of Au nanoclusters and ZnQ2 complex (on the surface of ZnS quantum dots) embedded in protein. The combination of red, green, and blue luminescence from clusters, complex, and protein, respectively, led to white light generation.

White light emission from quantum dot and a UV-visible emitting Pd-complex on its surface

Near white light emission (CIE 0.35, 0.29) has been achieved as a combination of intraligand transition, aggregate induced emission and dopant emission followed by surface complexation on Qdot surface.

Surface Complexation-Based Biocompatible Magnetofluorescent Nanoprobe for Targeted Cellular Imaging

We report the synthesis of a magnetofluorescent biocompatible nanoprobe-following room temperature complexation reaction between Fe3O4-ZnS nanocomposite and 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ). The composite nanoprobe exhibited high luminescence quantum yield, low rate of photobleaching, reasonable excited-state lifetime, luminescence stability especially in human blood serum, superparamagnetism and no apparent cytotoxicity. Moreover, the nanoprobe could be used for spatio-controlled cell labeling in the presence of an external magnetic field. The ease of synthesis and cell labeling in vitro make it a suitable candidate for targeted bioimaging applications.

Synchronous Tricolor Emission-Based White Light from Quantum Dot Complex

Herein we report the generation of synchronous tricolor emission for a single wavelength excitation from a quantum dot complex (QDC). The single-component QDC was formed out of a complexation reaction, at room temperature, between ligand-free Mn(2+)-doped ZnS quantum dots (Qdots) and a mixture of two organic ligands (acetylsalicylic acid and 8-hydroxyquinoline). Furthermore, the tunability in chromaticity color coordinates, which is important for solid-state lighting, was achieved following the synthesis of QDC. Moreover, the photostable QDC emitted white light (λex 320 nm) with (0.30, 0.33) and (0.32, 0.32) chromaticity color coordinates in the liquid and the solid phases, respectively. Hence, the white light-emitting QDC may be a superior material for light-emitting applications.