Suppression of quantum dot blinking in DTT-doped polymer films
Josh Antelman1, Yuval Ebenstein, Thomas Dertinger
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 607 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and Interfaces
|February 18, 2010
Summary
We developed a polymer film to prevent quantum dot blinking, enabling a continuous photon flux. This innovation provides stable, robust fluorescent sources for high-resolution imaging and quantum dot devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Quantum dots (QDs) are widely used as fluorescent probes.
- QD blinking (intermittent fluorescence) limits their application in continuous imaging.
- Stable and reliable QD light sources are needed for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the emission properties of single quantum dots embedded in a polymer film.
- To demonstrate the suppression of quantum dot blinking.
- To assess the stability of QD fluorescence under prolonged excitation.
Main Methods:
- Embedding single quantum dots (organic and water-soluble) in a thin, thiol-containing polymer film.
- Characterizing QD emission properties, including blinking suppression and photon flux.
- Applying the polymer coating to immunostained cell samples for stability testing.
- Measuring fluorescence intensity over 67 hours of continuous excitation.
Main Results:
- Suppression of quantum dot blinking, resulting in continuous photon flux.
- Demonstration of QDs as robust fluorescent point sources for ultrahigh-resolution localization.
- No degradation of fluorescence intensity in polymer-embedded cells after 67 hours of continuous excitation.
- Successful application of polymer coating to cell samples.
Conclusions:
- The thin polymer film effectively suppresses QD blinking, providing a stable photon source.
- This coating enhances QD performance for applications in ultrahigh-resolution imaging and immuno-cyto/histo-chemistry.
- The polymer-embedded QDs are suitable for fabricating devices requiring stable light or charge characteristics.
