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Quanterbium: Synthesis and photonic application of terbium–modified semiconductor quantum dots for highly sensitive, background-free, multiplexed biosensors

Objectif

"In order to improve specificity, sensitivity and resolution of fluorescence-based diagnostic tools, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique. In our effort of developing new high sensitive FRET-based biosensors for multiplexing diagnostics, we propose preparation
and applications of terbium-based quantum dots (Quanterbium Dots). The singular marriage between terbium complexes-donors (TCs) and quantum dots-acceptors (QDs) offers unprecedented performance and incredible versatility, thanks to the outstanding photophysical properties of the components and the easiness with which these properties can be selected and optimized for a facile tunability of the overall system. The Quanterbium project is based on the innovative idea of embedding TCs at variable positions inside a biocompatible polymeric QD coating; since the luminescence lifetime depends on the distance between the donor and the acceptor, FRET events would be controlled exclusively by the synthesis and the lifetime information could be efficiently used as a new multiplexing dimension. This novel approach will lead to the “universal nanoprobe” because both its luminescence color (QDs size) and lifetime (TC-QD distance) can be tuned at will during the synthetic process. This project will be a giant leap forward toward the development of super sensitive biosensors, because FRET will be implemented within the chemical system itself, regulated only by the voluntary and controlled preparation of the components, and completely independent from any ""external"" biological process. The main objectives of the project are the synthesis and the characterization of biocompatible Quanterbium Dots, the evaluation of their performance concerning multiplexing abilities and sensitivity for optical spectroscopy and imaging, and their application for biological sensing. Herein, we propose a detailed description of the strategy and the methodology for the successful achievement of the objectives."

Appel à propositions

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF
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Coordinateur

UNIVERSITE PARIS-SUD
Contribution de l’UE
€ 194 046,60
Adresse
RUE GEORGES CLEMENCEAU 15
91405 ORSAY CEDEX
France

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Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Contact administratif
Nicolas Lecompte (Mr.)
Liens
Coût total
Aucune donnée