Separation and Detection of Bioconjugated Quantum Dots Using on a Chip Electrophoresis

Abstract

Semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots (QDs), are nanoscale particles that have been attract a lot of attention due to their unique optic and electronic properties. Due to very diverse and numerous applications, it is really important to make a tool for precise and controlled detection of QDs. In this study, we investigate on a chip detection and separation of QDs bioconjugated with BSA (bovine serum albumin) using homemade equipment based on principle of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and optical detection. Quenching effect of different concentration of BSA on fluorescence intensity of QDs was monitored. It was found that with increasing concentration of BSA fluorescence intensity of QDs is decreasing. This research can lead to a better understanding of interaction between different size QDs and biomolecules.