Ion-Switchable Quantum Dot Forster Resonance Energy Transfer Rates in Ratiometric Potassium Sensors.

ABSTRACT: The tools for optically imaging cellular potassium concentrations in real-time are currently limited to a small set of molecular indicator dyes. Quantum dot-based nanosensors are more photostable and tunable than organic indicators, but previous designs have fallen short in size, sensitivity, and selectivity. Here, we introduce a small, sensitive, and selective nanosensor for potassium measurements. A dynamic quencher modulates the fluorescence emitted by two different quantum dot species to produce a ratiometric signal. We characterized the potassium-modulated sensor properties and investigated the photonic interactions within the sensors. The quencher's protonation changes in response to potassium, which modulates its Förster radiative energy transfer rate and the corresponding interacti

SUBMITTER: Ruckh TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5270641 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature