Sensitive fluorescence response of ZnSe(S) quantum dots: an efficient fluorescence probe

Abstract

An efficient fluorescence probe based on ZnSe(S) alloyed quantum dots (QDs) has been reported here. The alloyed QDs were prepared through an aqueous route, where 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was employed as the effective precursor for both the sulfur source and stabilizer in the development of the alloyed system. Five-fold quantum yield (QY) enhancement was obtained for the ZnSe(S) QDs compared to the ZnSe QDs, formed in the initial stage of the refluxing process. The ultimate alloyed systems retained their high biocompatibility characteristics similar to the conventional ZnSe QDs. The photoluminescence of the ZnSe(S) QDs showed pH dependence, which was also evidenced in mammalian lymphocyte cells suspended in biological buffer over a wide pH range of 4.00–12.00. These characteristics make our prepared ZnSe(S) an efficient system for development of cell tracking, monitoring and sensing intracellular nanoprobes and devices.