USE OF QUANTUM DOTS FOR BIOLOGICAL LABELS AND SENSORS

摘要

A composition comprising a semiconductor nanocrystal (quantum dot) conjugated with one or more electron donors or acceptors is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method for fluorescence internal labeling a living cell or organism, and a method for detecting a metabolism abnormality or metabolically-active intracellular environment of a cell or organism, employing the composition. In addition, disclosed are a composition and an ion-, or voltage-, or ion and voltage-sensitive probe or label for a transmembrane or intramembrane process, each of which comprises an uncapped semiconductor nanocrystal embedded in a lipid membrane. A method for sensing a transmembrane or intramembrane process of a cell or organism and a method of labeling cells, employing an uncapped semiconductor nanocrystal embedded in a lipid membrane are also disclosed.