Organo luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal probes for biological applications and process for making and using such probes
View Patent ↗A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in the probe causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Further described are processes for respectively: making the luminescent semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and using the probe to determine the presence of a detectable substance in a material.
1. A probe, comprising:
(a) a semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited;
(b) a linking agent, linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal; and
(c) an affinity molecule linked to the linking agent.
2. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a biological material.
3. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is an antibody.
4. The probe of claim 3 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
5. The probe of claim 3 , wherein the antibody is a polyclonal antibody.
6. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a nucleic acid.
7. The probe of claim 6 , wherein the nucleic acid is monomeric.
8. The probe of claim 6 , wherein the nucleic acid is oligomeric.
9. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a protein.
10. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a polysaccharide.
11. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a sugar.
12. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a peptide.
13. The probe of claim 1 , wherein the affinity molecule is a drug.
14. A coated structure, comprising:
a semiconductor nanocrystal core which emits light when excited; and
a coating comprised of silica glass positioned at least partially around the core.
15. The coated structure of claim 14 , wherein the glass comprises silica glass represented by the formula SiO x wherein x is selected from the group consisting of 1 and 2.
16. The coated structure of claim 14 , wherein the coating has a thickness in a range of from about 0.5 nm to about 10 nm.
17. The coated structure of claim 14 , wherein the coating has a thickness in a range of from about 0.5 nm to about 2 nm.
18. A composition, comprising:
a semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited;
a polymer; and
an affinity molecule.
19. The composition as claimed in claim 18 , wherein the polymer encapsulates the semiconductor nanocrystal.
20. The composition as claimed in claim 18 , further comprising a first additional semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited.
21. The composition as claimed in claim 18 , further comprising:
a plurality of additional semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited.
22. A composition, comprising:
a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited;
a polymerizable linking agent encapsulating the nanocrystals; and
an affinity molecule.
23. The composition as claimed in claim 22 wherein the linking agent is comprised of a polymer and chosen from diacetylenes, acrylates, acrylamides, vinyl, and styryl.