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 composition, comprising:
a semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited;
a polymerizable linking agent;
an affinity molecule linked to the linking agent; and
a detectable substance bound to the affinity molecule.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the polymerizable linking agent encapsulates the semiconductor nanocrystal.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a first additional semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a plurality of additional semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited.
5. A composition, comprising:
a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited;
a polymerizable linking agent encapsulating the nanocrystals;
an affinity molecule linked to the linking agent; and
a detectable substance bound to the affinity molecule.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein the linking agent is comprised of a polymer and chosen from diacetylenes, acrylates, acrylamides, vinyl, and styryl.
7. A composition, comprising:
a semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited;
an affinity molecule; and
a detectable substance bound to the affinity molecule.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising a polymer wherein the polymer encapsulates the semiconductor nanocrystal.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 8 , further comprising a first additional semiconductor nanocrystal which emits light when excited.
10. The composition as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising:
a plurality of additional semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited.
11. A composition, comprising:
a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals which emit light when excited;
an affinity molecule; and
a detectable substance bound to the affinity molecule.
12. The composition of claims 11 , wherein the plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals comprise nanocrystals which emit a distinct wavelength of light different from that emitted by other semiconductor nanocrystals.
13. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a biological material.
14. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is an antibody chosen from a monoclonal antibody and a polyclonal antibody.
15. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a nucleic acid.
16. The composition of claim 15 , wherein the nucleic acid is monomeric.
17. The composition of claim 15 , wherein the nucleic acid is oligomeric.
18. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a protein.
19. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a polysaccharide.
20. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a sugar.
21. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a peptide.
22. The composition of claim 11 , wherein the affinity molecule is a drug.