A regenerable fluorescent quantum dot based nanoprobe for zinc(II), and the design of a molecular logic gate

作者：Hao Chenxia; Liu Shaopu; Liang Wanjun; Li Dan; Wang Linlin; He Youqiu^*

来源：Microchimica Acta, 2015, 182(11-12): 2009-2017.

DOI：10.1007/s00604-015-1543-3

• Q-dots
• Zn(II) ion
• Fluorescence nanoprobe
• Molecular logic gate

We report on a simple, sensitive and regenerable fluorescent nanoprobe for Zn(II) ion. It is based on the use of glutathione capped CdTe quantum dots (GSH-CdTe Q-dots). The bright fluorescence of these Q-dots is quenched on addition of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) due to the binding of DTPA to GSH. If, however, Zn(II) is added, it will bind DTPA and detach it from the surface of the Q-dots, this resulting in the fluorescence recovery. Under optimum conditions, the intensity of the restored fluorescence is proportional to the concentration of Zn(II) in the 0.48 to 90 mu mol center dot L-1 range, with a limit of detection of 0.14 mu mol center dot L-1. The nanoprobe was applied to the determination of Zn(II) in spiked tap water and river water and gave satisfactory results. The findings were also applied to design a molecular logic gate where DTPA acts as the first input to the system by quenching the fluorescence of the GSH-CdTe Q-dots. Zn(II) acts as the second input and causes the detachment of DTPA from the Q-dots and a restoration of fluorescence. This system therefore represents a new IMP (IMPLICATION) logic gate.

• 出版日期2015-8
• 单位西南大学