Receptor protein-based bioconjugates of highly luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dots : Use in biosensing applications

We are developing new and useful ways to prepare bio-inorganic conjugates of highly luminescent semiconductor quantum nanocrystals (Quantum Dots; QDs) and proteins for use in biosensing applications. Conjugate assembly isdriven by electrostatic interaction of negatively charged QD surfaces with positively charged proteins or protein subdomains. Conjugates retain the properties of both starting materials, i.e., biological activity of the proteins and optical characteristics of the QDs. We have used these hybrid bio-inorganic conjugates as tracking reagents in fluoroimmunoassays.