Concentric Förster resonance energy transfer imaging

Concentric Förster resonance energy transfer (cFRET) configurations based on semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising probes for biological sensing because they offer multiplexing capability in a single vector with robust ratiometric detection by exploiting a network of FRET pathways. To expand the scope and utility of cFRET probes, it is necessary to develop and validate cFRET imaging methodology. In this technical note, we present such a methodology using a protease-sensitive cFRET configuration that comprises a green-emitting QD, Alexa Fluor 555 (A555), and Alexa Fluor 647 (A647). Photoluminescence (PL) images were acquired with three filter-based emission channels to permit measurement of A555/QD and A647/QD PL ratios. With reference to calibration samples, these PL ratios were used to calculate quantitative progress curves for proteolytic activity in regions of interest in the acquired images. Importantly, the imaging methodology reproduces quantitative results obtained with a monochromator-based fluorescence plate reader. Spatiotemporal resolution is demonstrated by tracking the activity of two prototypical proteases, trypsin and chymotrypsin, as they diffuse down the length of a capillary. This methodology is expected to enable the future use of cFRET probes for cellular sensing and other imaging assays.