Biosensors based on nanoparticles and molecular switches

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Investigation of biosensing motifs at a molecular scale offers direction for the creation of nanoparticle technologies and molecular switches. We have been exploring quantum dots (QDs) decorated with oligonucleotides as the basis for biosensors that operate using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), where the QD excites a nearby dye that is associated with formation of double-stranded DNA. There are fundamental challenges in learning how to construct organized oriented films of oligonucleotide probes on QDs for the design of fluorescence transduction by FRET while avoiding non-selective adsorption and undesired environmental quenching of QD emission. Using two-photon excitation, correlation spectroscopy and single-molecule detection strategies, we can develop an understanding of the dynamic function of immobilized oligonucleotides on QDs so as to move to rational design of nanoscale biosensors.