Ion-Switchable
Quantum Dot Förster Resonance
Energy Transfer Rates in Ratiometric Potassium Sensors
Timothy
T. Ruckh
Christopher G. Skipwith
Wendi Chang
Alexander W. Senko
Vladimir Bulovic
Polina O. Anikeeva
Heather A. Clark
10.1021/acsnano.5b05396.s001
https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Ion_Switchable_Quantum_Dot_Fo_rster_Resonance_Energy_Transfer_Rates_in_Ratiometric_Potassium_Sensors/3180841
The tools for optically imaging cellular
potassium concentrations
in real-time are currently limited to a small set of molecular indicator
dyes. Quantum dot-based nanosensors are more photostable and tunable
than organic indicators, but previous designs have fallen short in
size, sensitivity, and selectivity. Here, we introduce a small, sensitive,
and selective nanosensor for potassium measurements. A dynamic quencher
modulates the fluorescence emitted by two different quantum dot species
to produce a ratiometric signal. We characterized the potassium-modulated
sensor properties and investigated the photonic interactions within
the sensors. The quencher’s protonation changes in response
to potassium, which modulates its Förster radiative energy
transfer rate and the corresponding interaction radii with each quantum
dot species. The nanosensors respond to changes in potassium concentrations
typical of the cellular environment and thus provide a promising tool
for imaging potassium fluxes during biological events.
2016-04-18 12:51:51
potassium concentrations
Ratiometric Potassium Sensors
modulate
indicator
imaging potassium fluxes
nanosensor
sensor
Fo
quantum dot species
tool
quencher
interaction