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Silicon Metal-oxide-semiconductor Quantum Dots for Single-electron Pumping

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Published on: June 3, 2015

Protease sensing using nontoxic silicon quantum dots.

Xiaoyu Cheng^1,2, Benjamin F P McVey¹, Andrew B Robinson¹

¹University of New South Wales, School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, ARC Centre o, Australia.

Journal of Biomedical Optics

|August 25, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel protease sensing method using nontoxic silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Peptide cleavage by proteases alters FRET efficiency, enabling sensitive detection for intracellular applications.

Keywords:

Förster resonance energy transfer biosensor quantum dots self-assembled monolayer silicon

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Nanosensors to Detect Protease Activity In Vivo for Noninvasive Diagnostics

Nanosensors to Detect Protease Activity In Vivo for Noninvasive Diagnostics

Published on: July 16, 2018

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Biochemistry

Background:

Protease activity is crucial in biological processes.
Developing sensitive and non-toxic biosensors is essential for intracellular analysis.
Silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) offer unique optical properties for sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and demonstrate a proof-of-concept for protease sensing using silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET).
To investigate the use of peptide linkers for protease-mediated signal transduction.
To explore the potential of this system for intracellular sensing and imaging.

Main Methods:

Conjugation of an organic dye (acceptor) to SiQDs (donor) via a peptide linker.
Utilizing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for signal generation.
Monitoring changes in FRET efficiency upon enzymatic cleavage of the peptide linker by proteases.

Main Results:

Demonstrated successful protease sensing through changes in FRET efficiency.
Showcased the ability to detect protease activity via optical imaging.
Confirmed the non-toxic nature of the SiQDs for potential biological applications.

Conclusions:

The developed SiQD-FRET system provides a sensitive and non-toxic platform for protease sensing.
Interfacial design and optical imaging strategies are effective for intracellular sensing.
This approach holds promise for advancing intracellular sensing and imaging technologies.