In this study, a method for the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) using CdSe and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is proposed. CdSe and CdSe/ZnS core-shell QDs are synthesised by using 2-mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) as a capping agent. These QDs were then subjected to various characterisation studies, namely X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope for size and structure, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the confirmation of functional groups, ultraviolet-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy for optical characteristics and dynamic light scattering for hydrodynamic changes of QDs. Two biochemical mixtures were developed: one by mixing blood serum containing CRP and CdSe-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) and the other by mixing blood serum with CdSe/ZnS-PEA. When these mixtures are observed for fluorescence due to interaction of QDs with CRP, a correlation between changes in fluorescence for different concentrations of CRP is noted. The result demonstrates that CRP can be detected with the help of QDs without using any antibodies.
Development of simple UV detection system using CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as primary detector with scintillating property on exposure to UV rays is reported. CdTe, CdTe/ZnS and CdTe/CdS QDs were synthesized in aqueous phase using mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) as a capping agent and studied for its properties like crystallite size, band gap energy, fluorescence emission intensity and uniformity in size distribution. The prepared QDs were exposed to different radiations such as infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) and X-rays. The fluorescent emission was recorded by an optoelectronic circuit in terms of electrical signal. The result of this study shows that CdTe/ZnS QDs is better suited for the detection and measurement of UV rays. Hence these QDs could be used as a sensing element while fabricating nanosensor for UV detection.
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