A logical analysis: Nucleic acid functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots are used for the optically selective multiplexed analysis of Hg2+ and Ag+ and the activation of logic gates in the presence of Ag+ and Hg2+, and for the activation of logic gates, by using the ions as inputs.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are used for the optical analysis of casein kinase (CK2) or the hydrolytic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Two schemes for the analysis of CK2 by a FRET-based mechanism are described. One approach involves the CK2-catalyzed phosphorylation of a serine-containing peptide (1), linked to CdSe/ZnS QDs, with Atto-590-functionalized ATP. The second analytical method involves the specific association of the Atto-590-functionalized antibody to the phosphorylated product. The hydrolytic activity of ALP is followed by the application of phosphotyrosine (4)-modified CdSe/ZnS QDs in the presence of tyrosinase as a secondary reporter biocatalyst. The hydrolysis of (4) yields the tyrosine units that are oxidized by O(2)/tyrosinase to the respective dopaquinone product. The latter quinone units quench the QDs via an electron transfer route, leading to the optical detection of the ALP activity.

Beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are used for optical sensing and chiroselective sensing of different substrates using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or an electron transfer (ET) mechanisms. The FRET between the QDs and Rhodamine B incorporated in the beta-CD receptor sites is used for the competitive analysis of adamantanecarboxylic acid and of p-hydroxytoluene. Also, the dye-incorporated beta-CD-modified QDs are used for the chiroselective optical discrimination between D,L-phenylalanine and D,L-tyrosine. The receptor-functionalized QDs are also implemented for the optical detection of p-nitrophenol using an ET quenching route.

Chemically modified CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are used as fluorescent probes for the analysis of explosives, and specifically, the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) or trinitrotriazine (RDX). The QDs are functionalized with electron-donating ligands that bind nitro-containing explosives, exhibiting electron-acceptor properties, to the QD surface, via supramolecular donor-acceptor interactions leading to the quenching of the luminescence of the QDs.

The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CdSe-ZnS QDs and fluorophore-labeled galactose or fluorophore-labeled dopamine linked to phenyl boronic acid-functionalized QDs is used to develop competitive assays for the optical detection of galactose, glucose, or dopamine.