Designing quantum rods for optimized energy transfer with firefly luciferase enzymes.

Alam, Rabeka; Fontaine, Danielle M; Branchini, Bruce R; Maye, Mathew M · Nano Lett · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between firefly luciferase from Photinus pyralis (Ppy) with core/shell semiconductive quantum rods (QRs) has been studied as a function of QR aspect ratio and internal microstructure. The QRs were found to be ideal energy acceptors, and Ppy-to-core distances were optimized using rod-in-rod microstructures that were achieved by the synthetic control of rod morphology, surface chemistry, and Ppy:QR loading. The BRET ratios of >44 measured are the highest efficiencies to date.

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