Towards multi-colour strategies for the detection of nucleic acid hybridization using quantum dots as energy donors in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 180
ISBN-13: 9780494210413
Description: The unique optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) are of interest in the development of nucleic acid diagnostics. The potential for a simultaneous two-colour diagnostic scheme for nucleic acids operating on the basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been demonstrated. Upon ultraviolet excitation, two-colours of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with conjugated oligonucleotide probes acted as energy donors yielding FRET-sensitized acceptor emission upon hybridization with fluorophore labeled target oligonucleotides. The use of an intercalating dye to improve signal-to-noise was also demonstrated. The major limitation of the system was the non-specific adsorption of oligonucleotides, which was characterized extensively. Adsorptive interactions were found to affect the conformation of oligonucleotides conjugated to QDs, the kinetics of hybridization with QD-DNA conjugates, and the thermal stability of those hybrids. In addition, it was found that thiol-alkyl-acid capped QDs exhibited pKa correlated ligand-chromism and radiative decay rate-driven changes in quantum yield.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1491.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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