Quantum dots have unique optical properties that can be used for advanced fluorescence microscopy of biomolecules. They have relatively long fluorescence lifetimes that enable both fluorescence lifetime imaging and time-gated detection. The source of these long fluorescence lifetimes has been related to their intrinsic electronic structure and interface/surface traps, although the details are not fully understood. Here, we explore the relationship between the microscopic structure of quantum dots and their fluorescence properties. The effect of the inorganic-inorganic interface between the core and shell, the inorganic-organic interface between the nanoparticle and the ligand, and the pH of the external environment on quantum yield, radiative and non-radiative lifetimes of the multiexponential decay, fluorescence blinking and dark particle formation is discussed. We show examples of using such materials for FRET and FLIM as well as time-gated imaging to reduce cellular autofluorescence.

Radiative and non-radiative lifetime engineering of quantum dots for quantifying biomolecules in complex environments

245th National Meeting (2013)

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