Abstract
CdSe semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots are assembled into nanowire-like arrays employing microtubule fibers as nanoscale molecular scaffolds. Spectrally and time-resolved energy-transfer analysis is used to assess the assembly of the nanoparticles into the hybrid inorganic biomolecular structure. Specifically, we demonstrate that a comprehensive study of energy transfer between quantum dot pairs on the biotemplate and, alternatively, between quantum dots and molecular dyes embedded in the microtubule scaffold comprises a powerful spectroscopic tool for evaluating the assembly process. In addition to revealing the extent to which assembly has occurred, the approach allows determination of particle-to-particle (and particle-to-dye) distances within the biomediated array. Significantly, the characterization is realized in situ, without need for further sample workup or risk of disturbing the solution-phase constructs. Furthermore, we find that the assemblies prepared in this way exhibit efficient quantum dot-quantum dot and quantum dot-dye energy transfer that affords faster energy-transfer rates compared to densely packed quantum dot arrays on planar substrates and to small-molecule-mediated quantum dot-dye couples, respectively.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1761-1768 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | ACS Nano |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 22 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Förster resonance energy transfer
- biotemplated assembly
- microtubule
- nanocrystal quantum dots
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Materials Science
- General Engineering
- General Physics and Astronomy