Recent developments in Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) diagnostics using quantum dots
AbstractThe exceptional photophysical properties and the nanometric dimensions of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QD) have strongly attracted the bioanalytical community over the last approximately 20 y. In particular, the integration of QDs in the analysis of biological components and interactions, and the related diagnostics using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) have allowed researchers to significantly improve and diversify fluorescence based biosensing. In this TRENDS article, we review some recent developments in QD FRET biosensing that have implemented this technology in electronic consumer products, multiplexed analysis, and detection without light excitation for diagnostic applications. In selected examples of smartphone based imaging, single and multistep FRET, steady state and time resolved spectroscopy, and bio/chemiluminescence detection of QDs used as both FRET donors and acceptors, we highlight the advantages of QD based FRET biosensing for multiplexed and sensitive diagnostics. Graphical AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) can be applied as donors and/or acceptors for Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET based biosensing for multiplexed and sensitive diagnostics in various assay formats
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry