Quantum Dot-based Sensors for Proteins

Quantum dots (QDs) are a new generation of fluorescent labeling agents which have recently attracted researcher's attention for a variety of biomedical applications. Literature on the applications of quantum dots in the life sciences has recently significantly increased in number that is in line with predictions that nanotechnology in life sciences research will contribute $3.4 billion by 2010 while the National Science Foundation is predicting that the market for nanotechnology and corresponding products will reach $1 trillion in 10 to 15 years. The chemical sensor industry, which is a $2.9 billion US industry, is predicted to grow while applications of nanomaterials have been estimated to have a market impact of over US$ 340 billion within a decade. In this present work, we developed a QD-based protein sensor using mouse IgG as the model analyte. The sensor was designed using a combination of capture antibody (rabbit anti-mouse IgG antibody) and QDs conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG for detection. In order to eliminate the non-specific binding of QD-labeled antibody, a super blocker BBB was used for the assay. Thus, we successfully demonstrated the use of QDs for protein sensing.