Multiple Analyte Sensing and Molecular Computation with Luminescent Quantum Dots.

使用发光量子点进行多种分析物传感和分子计算。

• 批准号: EP/F016220/1
• 负责人: John Callan
• 金额: $ 22.36万
• 依托单位: Robert Gordon University
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Research Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2008 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FF016220%2F1
• 关键词: Multiple; Analyte; Sensing; Molecular; Computation

Being able to understand how cellular processes differ in normal and diseased states has enabled the development of therapeutic targets for a range of illnesses. Central to this understanding is the ability of sensors to permit the accurate determination of physiologically relevant analytes. Mostly, these sensors are based on fluorescence, a process where a molecule or object absorbs energy and then emits it in the form of light. Usually these sensors use organic dyes, similar to those used in paints as the light emitting unit. Using these systems, it is possible to only measure one analyte in real time, which can be a drawback as many diseases result in abnormal concentrations of more than one analyte, often with synergistic interactions.A new class of fluorescent molecules have recently been discovered and are called Quantum Dots. These molecules hold much promise as they have superior optical properties over organic dyes. These advanced properties mean that it is potentially possible to measure more than one analyte at the same time. We aim to make Quantum Dot probes for potassium, sodium and calcium ions with three different emission colours that will report on the concentration of these ions by the intensity changes of their fluorescence. This should permit the visualisation of these ions together in real time.In addition, as Quantum Dots are essentially the same type of materials as those used in information technology systems (semiconductors), we aim to show for the first time that it is possible to perform the logic operations with quantum dots. As they are much smaller than the currently used technology, they could be a new avenue to even smaller, faster devices.

能够了解正常和疾病状态下细胞过程的不同，使开发一系列疾病的治疗靶点成为可能。这一理解的核心是传感器的能力，允许准确地测定生理上相关的分析物。大多数情况下，这些传感器是基于荧光的，这是一个分子或物体吸收能量然后以光的形式发射的过程。这些传感器通常使用有机染料，类似于涂料中使用的发光单元。使用这些系统，可以只实时测量一种分析物，这可能是一个缺点，因为许多疾病会导致超过一种分析物的异常浓度，通常是协同作用。最近发现了一类新的荧光分子，被称为量子点。这些分子具有比有机染料更好的光学性能，因此前景看好。这些先进的性质意味着有可能同时测量一种以上的分析物。我们的目标是制作具有三种不同发射颜色的钾、钠和钙离子的量子点探测器，通过它们的荧光强度变化来报告这些离子的浓度。这应该允许这些离子一起实时可视化。此外，由于量子点基本上是与信息技术系统(半导体)中使用的材料相同的类型，我们的目标是首次展示使用量子点进行逻辑运算是可能的。由于它们比目前使用的技术小得多，它们可能成为开发更小、更快设备的新途径。