Aggregation control of quantum dots through ion-mediated hydrogen bonding shielding

Bio-catalytic nanoparticle shaping for preparing mesoscopic assemblies of semiconductor quantum dots and organic molecules

We report a unique bio-catalytic nanoparticle shaping (BNS) method for preparing a variety of mesoscopic particles by a facile process. For example, the BNS method affords mesoscopic QD assembly dispersions. Large-size sedimentations (>1 μm) of QDs are first formed using oligo-L-lysine linkers. These then undergo controlled enzymatic cleavage of the linkers using trypsin, which surprisingly leads to mesoscopic particles about 84 nm in size with a narrow size distribution. A detailed mechanism of the BNS method is investigated using tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP), instead of QDs, as a probe molecule. Interestingly, the BNS method can also be applied to other combinations of enzymes and enzymatically degradable linkers, such as hyaluronidase with hyaluronan. As a potential application, the mesoscopic particles of QDs and oligo-lysine exhibit their ability to act as a drug delivery carrier originating from the features of both QDs and oligo-lysine. The BNS method demonstrates the universality and versatility of preparing mesoscopic particles and opens new doors for studying QD assemblies and molecular-based mesoscopic particles.

Machine Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Strategy for Real-Time Detection of Spermine Using a Triple-Emission Ratiometric Probe

In this study, we designed and fabricated a spermine-responsive triple-emission ratiometric fluorescent probe using dual-emissive carbon nanoparticles and quantum dots, which improve the sensor's accuracy and reduce interfering environmental effects. The probe is advantageous for the proportionate detection of spermine because it has good emission resolution, and the maximum points of the two emission peaks differ by 95 nm. As a proof of concept, cuvettes and a 96-well plate were combined with a smartphone and YOLO series algorithms to accomplish real-time, visual, and high-throughput detection of seafood and meat freshness. In addition, the reaction mechanism was verified by density functional theory and fundamental characterizations. Upon exposure to different amounts of spermine, the intensity of the fluorescent probe changed linearly, and the fluorescent color shifted from yellow-green to red, with a limit of detection of 0.33 μM. To enable visual identification of food-originated spermine, a hydrogel-based visual sensing platform was successfully developed utilizing the triple-emission fluorescent probe. Consequently, spermine could be identified and quantified without complicated equipment.

Quantum dot photolithography using a quantum dot photoresist composed of an organic-inorganic hybrid coating layer

Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as an important class of materials for diverse applications such as solid-state lighting, energy conversion, displays, biomedicine, and plasmonics due to their excellent photonic properties and durability. Soft lithography, inkjet printing, nanoimprinting, and polymer deep-pen lithography are primary lithography techniques employed to implement micro-patterns with QDs, however, there are limited reports on QD photolithography using conventional photolithography processes suitable for mass production. This study reports a QD photolithography technique using a custom-developed QD photoresist made of an organic-inorganic hybrid coating layer. Using this QD photoresist, various QD micro-patterns, including red or green micro lines, RGB color filters for smartphone displays at 340 ppi, and atypical micro logo patterns of the Korea University, were successfully fabricated. Furthermore, various process parameters were developed for the QD photolithography with this custom QD photoresist, and the optical properties of the QD films were also investigated. To demonstrate its applicability in contemporary smartphone displays, the color coordinates of the QD films were compared to those of the BT.2020 standard. The chromaticity of the QD photoresist in CIE 1931 color space covered 98.7% of the NTSC (1987) area while providing more expansive color space. Overall, the QD photoresist and its photolithography techniques reported in this study hold great promise in various fields of QD-based applications, including bio-labeling, optical detectors, and solar cells.

Ion-mediated self-assembly of Cys-capped quantum dots for fluorescence detection of As(iii) in water

A sensitive As(iii) ion detection method has been developed based on ion-mediated self-assembly of cysteine (Cys)-capped quantum dots (QDs), and fluorescence self-quenching. A variety of Cys-capped core/shell CdTe/CdS QDs were prepared via hydrothermal methods. Based on the coordination binding between the As(iii) ion and cystine groups anchored on the QDs, addition of As(iii) ions led to self-assembly of the Cys-capped QDs, which was accompanied by fluorescence self-quenching. The fluorescence response was attributed to the exciton energy transfer of the QD aggregates. The ion-mediated fluorescence quenching was further exploited for quantitative determination of As(iii) ions in water. A limit of detection (LOD) of 10 ng L^-1 (3σ method) and a linear range from 14 to 70 ng L^-1 were obtained for the sensing of As(iii) ions. The system was evaluated using a series of interference targets, and demonstrated high selectivity after addition of mask agents. Finally, the proposed method was successfully employed for the detection of As(iii) in a real water sample. The method was sensitive and specific, and shows great promise in quantitative determination of heavy metal ions in lakes and rivers.

Synthetic factors affecting the stability of methylammonium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have emerged as promising candidates for use in optoelectronic devices. Significant focus has been directed towards optimising synthetic conditions to obtain PNCs with tunable emission properties. However, the reproducible production of stable PNC dispersions is also crucial for fabrication and scale-up of these devices using liquid deposition methods. Here, the stability of methylammonium lead halide (MAPbX3 where X = Br, I) PNCs produced via the ligand-assisted reprecipitation process is explored. We have focussed on understanding how different combinations of specific synthetic factors - dilution, halide source and ratio as well as capping-ligand concentration - affect the stability of the resultant PNC dispersion. Photoluminescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies revealed that subtle changes in the reaction conditions lead to significant changes in the particle morphology and associated optical properties, often with catastrophic consequences on stability. This study highlights the importance of designing PNC dispersions in order to make more efficient and reliable optoelectronic devices.

Simple Synthesis Method and Characterizations of Aggregation-Free Cysteamine Capped PbS Quantum Dot

Quantum dots have diverse chemical properties with different ligands attached on the surface. The cysteamine has been used as a ligand for various quantum dots because it has high solubility in water, and it facilitates binding of quantum dot and gold surface. However, the hydrogen bonds in cysteamine cause aggregation of the cysteamine capped quantum dots. In this study, we suggested a simple synthesis method of aggregation-free PbS quantum dot and analyzed the electric and optical properties of the synthesized quantum dot. This study on aggregation-free cysteamine capped quantum dots has the potential to develop advanced quantum dot-based sensor technologies, including biomedical imaging and environmental sensors.

Fabrication and Luminescent Properties of Zn–Cu–In–S/ZnS Quantum Dot Films under UV Excitation

Quantum dots (QDs) are quite interesting materials due to their unique chemical and physical properties. ZnCuInS/ZnS QDs can be produced either in hydrophobic or hydrophilic form, are non-toxic, and thus favorable for studies in the area of biology. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a well-known biocompatible resin which is widely used in dentistry, ophthalmology, and orthopedic surgery. Four composite PMMA films of ZnCuInS/ZnS nanocrystals with maximum emission at 530 nm and concentrations of 1.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 10.0 %w/v, were prepared. X-ray irradiation was used to evaluate the volume homogeneity of the final samples, as a measure of QD dispersion. The luminescent efficiency was evaluated, under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The process of UV irradiation involved the experimental measurement of the forward luminescent light, as well as the backward luminescent light, in order to accurately calculate the energy quantum efficiency (EQE) of ZnCuInS/ZnS QDs. Reflected UV radiation was also measured, and results showed that it ranges from 2% to 6% approximately as the QD concentration rises from 1.0 %w/v to 10.0 %w/v. Beyond 6.0 %w/v, the reflected UV radiation remains essentially unchanged. Additionally, the reflected UV radiation remained unaffected as the power of the incident UV increased. Approximately 9% of incident UV radiation passed through the 1.0 %w/v sample, whereas for the samples with higher ZnCuInS/ZnS concentration, 0% UV radiation passed through. The EQE reached a maximum of about 45% with the 10.0 %w/v sample, while it remained practically unaffected relative to the increase of the emitted UV power. The homogeneity measurements revealed that the coefficient of variation (CV) increased with increasing concentration, for the 1.0, 4.0, and 6.0 %w/v samples. The minimum CV was obtained for the sample of 10.0 %w/v due to the incorporation of sonication in the final product, during the fabrication process.

High quantum yield and well-dispersed quantum dots luminescent composite through sodium carboxymethyl starch

It is a challenging task to prepare well-dispersed and highly luminescent quantum dots (QDs) powder and a new strategy is reported in this article. Sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS-Na) was employed in this work to prepare the QDs-starch composite. Ultraviolet (UV) light shows that the blank starches had no fluorescence, while the QDs-starches were highly luminescent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows that the QDs-starch composite has the typical particle morphology with the diameter around 200 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results show that there are intensive tellurium (Te) and cadmium (Cd) element signals. Combined fluorescent lifetime and steady-state spectrometer show that the QDs-starch quantum yields (QYs) increase when the QDs loading increases from 1 × 10^-6 mol/g to 2 × 10^-6 mol/g, but when the loadings further increase, the QYs decrease slightly. For the red colour (λ_em  = 660 nm) QDs, the QYs can reach to as high as 28.2%, and for the other colour QDs they can also have the QYs above 22%. Time-resolved photobleaching experiments show that the fluorescent QDs-starch composite has a half-decay time of 40.23 s. These results indicate that the CMS-Na is a promising QDs dispersant to obtain high QY QD composites.

Cucurbituril-mediated quantum dot aggregates formed by aqueous self-assembly for sensing applications

Supramolecular ‘gluing’ of quantum dots is demonstrated with cucurbituril and we present the opportunity to create molecular host–guest sensing schemes.

Optically Active CdSe-Dot/CdS-Rod Nanocrystals with Induced Chirality and Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Ligand-induced chirality in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) has attracted attention because of the tunable optical properties of the NCs. Induced circular dichroism (CD) has been observed in CdX (X = S, Se, Te) NCs and their hybrids, but circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in these fluorescent nanomaterials has been seldom reported. Herein, we describe the successful preparation of l- and d-cysteine-capped CdSe-dot/CdS-rods (DRs) with tunable CD and CPL behaviors and a maximum anisotropic factor ( g_lum) of 4.66 × 10^-4. The observed CD and CPL activities are sensitive to the relative absorption ratio of the CdS shell to the CdSe core, suggesting that the anisotropic g-factors in both CD and CPL increase to some extent for a smaller shell-to-core absorption ratio. In addition, the molar ratio of chiral cysteine to the DRs is investigated. Instead of enhancing the chiral interactions between the chiral molecules and DRs, an excess of cysteine molecules in aqueous solution inhibits both the CD and CPL activities. Such chiral and emissive NCs provide an ideal platform for the rational design of semiconductor nanomaterials with chiroptical properties.

Aggregation-induced phosphorescence enhancement of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots: the role of dot-to-dot distance

Assembled nanoparticles promote many applications in optics due to their instinct properties. The aggregation-induced phosphorescence enhancement (AIPE) of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is widely used in biosensing, but the mechanism of such an enhancement is still unproven. This study explores the mechanism of the interesting finding of AIPE of Mn-doped ZnS QDs. To induce the aggregation of QDs, the method of electrostatic assembly was explored herein: negatively charged QDs were aggregated with protamine and positively charged QDs were aggregated with heparin. Using several ligands with hierarchical molecular weights for capping Mn-doped ZnS QDs, it was found that the AIPE of Mn-doped ZnS QDs was exponentially dependent on the dot-to-dot distance in aggregates. Together with detailed analysis of both the steady- and transient-state luminescence behaviors of Mn-doped ZnS QDs before and after aggregation, charge transfer from one dot (surface traps) to another (dopant bands) was identified as the driving factor for AIPE. Moreover, the d-band of the Mn2+ dopants was essential for the AIPE since it acts as the acceptor for the transferred charge from neighboring QDs. These conclusions can significantly contribute for better understanding of this interesting luminescence mechanism and future designing of the most suitable sensing systems.

Detection of nucleic acids via G-quadruplex-controlled l-cysteine oxidation and catalyzed hairpin assembly-assisted signal amplification

A novel homogeneous strategy for detection of DNA via biomimetic synthesis of luminescent QDs coupled with nucleic acid signal amplification.

CdSe Quantum Dots Functionalized with Chiral, Thiol-Free Carboxylic Acids: Unraveling Structural Requirements for Ligand-Induced Chirality

Functionalization of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with chiral cysteine derivatives by phase-transfer ligand exchange proved to be a simple yet powerful method for the synthesis of chiral, optically active QDs regardless of their size and chemical composition. Here, we present induction of chirality in CdSe by thiol-free chiral carboxylic acid capping ligands (l- and d-malic and tartaric acids). Our circular dichroism (CD) and infrared experimental data showed how the presence of a chiral carboxylic acid capping ligand on the surface of CdSe QDs was necessary but not sufficient for the induction of optical activity in QDs. A chiral bis-carboxylic acid capping ligand needed to have three oxygen-donor groups during the phase-transfer ligand exchange to successfully induce chirality in CdSe. Intrinsic chirality of CdSe nanocrystals was not observed as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy and reverse phase-transfer ligand exchange with achiral 1-dodecanethiol. Density functional theory geometry optimizations and CD spectra simulations suggest an explanation for these observations. The tridentate binding via three oxygen-donor groups had an energetic preference for one of the two possible binding orientations on the QD (111) surface, leading to the CD signal. By contrast, bidentate binding was nearly equienergetic, leading to cancellation of approximately oppositely signed corresponding CD signals. The resulting induced CD of CdSe functionalized with chiral carboxylic acid capping ligands was the result of hybridization of the (achiral) QD and (chiral) ligand electronic states controlled by the ligand's absolute configuration and the ligand's geometrical arrangement on the QD surface.

Application of semiconductor quantum dots in bioimaging and biosensing

In this review we present new concepts and recent progress in the application of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) as labels in two important areas of biology, bioimaging and biosensing.

A recognition-before-labeling strategy for sensitive detection of lung cancer cells with a quantum dot-aptamer complex

A highly specific recognition-before-labeling strategy has been developed for sensitive detection of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, by using fluorescent QDs as signal units and DNA aptamers as recognition elements. A QD-aptamer system used for cell imaging and bioanalysis mostly relies on the recognition-after-labeling strategy in which aptamers were firstly labeled with QDs and then the QD-aptamer conjugates as a whole were utilized for specific recognition. Here in our strategy, aptamers were used firstly to recognize target cells, and then fluorescent QDs were sequentially added to bind the aptamers and light the target cells. The proposed recognition-before-labeling strategy didn't require the complex process of QD functionalization, and avoided the possible impact on the aptamer configuration from steric hindrance. Meanwhile, QDs, with strong fluorescence and good photostability, also give this method a high signal-to-background ratio (S/B). The recognition-before-labeling strategy is simple and sensitive, suggesting a new method for in vitro diagnostic assays of cancer cells.

Silanated nano ZnO hybrid embedded PMMA polymer coatings on cotton fabrics for near-IR reflective, antifungal cool-textiles

Silanated nano ZnO hybrid embedded PMMA polymer coatings for cotton fabrics are developed to produce near-IR reflective, antifungal cool-textiles.

Do the cations in clay and the polymer matrix affect quantum dot fluorescent properties?

This paper studied the effects of cations and polymer matrix on the fluorescent properties of quantum dots (QDs). The results indicated that temperature has a greater impact on fluorescence intensity than clay cations (mainly K(+) and Na(+) ). Combined fluorescence lifetime and steady-state spectrometer tests showed that QD lifetimes all decreased when the cation concentration was increased, but the quantum yields were steady at various cation concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 1 M. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and diepoxy resin were used to study the effects of polymers on QD lifetime and quantum yield. The results showed that the lifetime for QDs 550 nm in PEO and PVA was 17.33 and 17.12 ns, respectively; for the epoxy resin, the lifetime was 0.74 ns, a sharp decrease from 24.47 ns. The quantum yield for QDs 550 nm changed from 34.22% to 7.45% and 7.81% in PEO and PVA, respectively; for the epoxy resin the quantum yield was 2.25%. QDs 580 nm and 620 nm showed the same results as QDs 550 nm. This study provides useful information on the design, synthesis and application of QDs-polymer luminescent materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultrasensitive quantum dot fluorescence quenching assay for selective detection of mercury ions in drinking water

Mercury is one of the most acutely toxic substances at trace level to human health and living thing. Developing a rapid, cheap and water soluble metal sensor for detecting mercury ions at ppb level remains a challenge. Herein, a metal sensor consisting of MPA coated Mn doped ZnSe/ZnS colloidal nanoparticles was utilized to ultrasensitively and selectively detect Hg(2+) ions with a low detection limit (0.1 nM) over a dynamic range from 0 to 20 nM. According to strong interaction between thiol(s) and mercury ions, mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was used as a highly unique acceptor for mercury ions in the as-obtained ultrasensitive sensor. In the presence of mercury ions, colloidal nanoparticles rapidly agglomerated due to changes of surface chemical properties, which results in severe quenching of fluorescent intensity. Meanwhile, we find that the original ligands are separated from the surface of colloidal nanoparticles involving strongly chelation between mercury ion and thiol(s) proved by controlled IR analysis. The result shows that the QD-based metal ions sensor possesses satisfactory precision, high sensitivity and selectivity, and could be applied for the quantification analysis of real samples.

Solid-phase single molecule biosensing using dual-color colocalization of fluorescent quantum dot nanoprobes

The development of solid-phase surface-based single molecule imaging technology has attracted significant interest during the past decades. Here we demonstrate a sandwich hybridization method for highly sensitive detection of a single thrombin protein at a solid-phase surface based on the use of dual-color colocalization of fluorescent quantum dot (QD) nanoprobes. Green QD560-modified thrombin binding aptamer I (QD560-TBA I) were deposited on a positive poly(l-lysine) assembled layer, followed by bovine serum albumin blocking. It allowed the thrombin protein to mediate the binding of the easily detectable red QD650-modified thrombin binding aptamer II (QD650-TBA II) to the QD560-TBA I substrate. Thus, the presence of the target thrombin can be determined based on fluorescent colocalization measurements of the nanoassemblies, without target amplification or probe separation. The detection limit of this assay reached 0.8 pM. This fluorescent colocalization assay has enabled single molecule recognition in a separation-free detection format, and can serve as a sensitive biosensing platform that greatly suppresses the nonspecific adsorption false-positive signal. This method can be extended to other areas such as multiplexed immunoassay, single cell analysis, and real time biomolecule interaction studies.

Functionalized silica nanoparticles: a platform for fluorescence imaging at the cell and small animal levels

Going in vivo, including living cells and the whole body, is very important for gaining a better understanding of the mystery of life and requires specialized imaging techniques. The diversity, composition, and temporal-spatial variation of life activities from cells to the whole body require the analysis techniques to be fast-response, noninvasive, highly sensitive, and stable, in situ and in real-time. Functionalized nanoparticle-based fluorescence imaging techniques have the potential to meet such needs through real-time and noninvasive visualization of biological events in vivo. Functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) doped with fluorescent dyes appear to be an ideal and flexible platform for developing fluorescence imaging techniques used in living cells and the whole body. We can select and incorporate different dyes inside the silica matrix either noncovalently or covalently. These form the functionalized hybrid SiNPs, which support multiplex labeling and ratiometric sensing in living systems. Since the silica matrix protects dyes from outside quenching and degrading factors, this enhances the photostability and biocompatibility of the SiNP-based probes. This makes them ideal for real-time and long-time tracking. One nanoparticle can encapsulate large numbers of dye molecules, which amplifies their optical signal and temporal-spatial resolution response. Integrating fluorescent dye-doped SiNPs with targeting ligands using various surface modification techniques can greatly improve selective recognition. Along with the endocytosis, functionalized SiNPs can be efficiently internalized into cells for noninvasive localization, assessment, and monitoring. These unique characteristics of functionalized SiNPs substantially support their applications in fluorescence imaging in vivo. In this Account, we summarize our efforts to develop functionalized dye-doped SiNPs for fluorescence imaging at the cell and small animal levels. We first discuss how to design and construct various functionalized dye-doped SiNPs. Then we describe their properties and imaging applications in cell surface receptor recognition, intracellular labeling, tracking, sensing, and controlled release. Additionally, we have demonstrated the promising application of dye-doped SiNPs as contrast imaging agents for in vivo fluorescence imaging in small animals. We expect these functionalized dye-doped SiNPs to open new opportunities for biological and medical research and applications.