Transformation of photoluminescence spectra at the bioconjugation of core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots

The photoluminescence (PL) of nonconjugated and bioconjugated core-shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has been discussed in this paper. Commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs with the size of 3.6-4.0 nm covered by polymer with emission at 560-565 nm (2.19-2.22 eV) have been used. The QD bioconjugation is performed with the mouse anti PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) antibody (mab). PL spectra of nonconjugated QDs are characterized by a superposition of PL bands related to exciton emission in the CdSe core (2.19-2.22 eV) and to hot electron-hole emission via surface states (2.37, 2.73 and 3.06 eV) at the CdSe/ZnS or ZnS/polymer interfaces. The PL spectrum of bioconjugated QDs has changed dramatically, with essential decreasing of the hot electron-hole recombination flow via interface states. This effect is explained on the base of recharging of QD interface states at the bioconjugation. It is shown that the CdSe/ZnS QDs with interface states are very promising for the study of bioconjugation effects to antibodies. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim