Synthesis and characterization of DNA-quantum dot conjugates for the fluorescence ratiometric detection of unlabelled DNA.

A quantum dot-based ratiometrically responsive fluorescent sensor for unlabeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is reported. Several technical issues concerning the development of high yield ssDNA-QD conjugation chemistry were addressed. The DNA sensor was synthesized by conjugating methacrylic phosphoramidite-functional oligonucleotides to water-soluble cadmium zinc sulfide core/zinc sulfide shell quantum dots (CdZnS/ZnS QDs).

A primer on the synthesis, water-solubilization, and functionalization of quantum dots, their use as biological sensing agents, and present status.

The use of nanomaterials, specifically fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), for biological imaging and sensing has become very topical. Here we present a historical synopsis of research in this field to help elucidate the origins of the most recent advances in QD-based technology. We further aim to educate the novice researcher concerning many important aspects of QD synthesis, water-solubilization, functionalization, and usage in biological imaging and sensing that are generally not discussed in the literature.