'Giant' Nanocrystal Quantum Dots (gNQDs) as FRET Donors

摘要

High-quality core/shell CdSe/xCdS quantum dots (QDs) ranging from 3 to 20 nm in diameter were synthesized for use as Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) donors. gNQDs are carefully characterized for size, emission, absorption, QY, and brightness in both organic and aqueous solution. FRET has been verified in optimally designed systems that use short capping ligands and donor-acceptor pairs that have well-matched emission and absorption spectra. The interplay between shell thickness, donor-acceptor distance, and particle brightness is systematically analyzed to optimize our biosensor design.