Controlled stoichiometric synthesis of DNA-quantum dot conjugates using Ni-mediated coordination chemistry

An oligonucleotide modified with Ni-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) was successfully synthesized and used for the stoichiometric functionalization of QDs. This synthetic approach allowed for the facile preparation of DNA-QD conjugates with a defined DNA/QD ratio using well-known Ni-histidine coordination chemistry. A FRET based DNA-QD nanoprobe was prepared using this method highlighting the great potential of this synthetic strategy.