Single Quantum Dot-Based Nanosensor for Multiple DNA Detection

摘要

Owing to their unique optical properties, quantum dotsn(QDs) with different colors have been applied for simultaneousndetection of multiple analytes. However, the usenof single QD for multiplex detection of analytes with singlemoleculendetection has not been explored. Here we reportna single QD-based nanosensor for multiplex detection ofnHIV-1 and HIV-2 at single-molecule level in a homogeneousnformat. In this single QD-based nanosensor, thenQD functions not only as a fluorescence pair for coincidencendetection and as a fluorescence-resonance-energytransfern(FRET) donor for FRET detection but also as anlocal nanoconcentrator which significantly amplifies thencoincidence-related fluorescence signals and the FRETnsignals. This single-QD-based nanosensor takes advantagenof a simple ‘mix and detection’ assay with extremely lownsample consumption, high sensitivity, and short analysisntime and has the potential to be applied for rapid pointof-ncare testing, gene expression studies, high-throughputnscreening, and clinical diagnostics.