Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Connect the Quantum Dots
Slashdot It! Slashdot Connect the Quantum Dots
Submit to Reddit Submit Connect the Quantum Dots to Reddit
Reading: Connect the Quantum DotsTwitter This Reading: Connect the Quantum DotsTwitter Connect the Quantum Dots
Add to Facebook Add Connect the Quantum Dots to Facebook

Connect the Quantum Dots

July 19, 2006

A new study, published today in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has significant implications for the design of disease markers and the development of chemoreceptors used in human biomedical research. The groundbreaking study, entitled, "A Mechanism to Signal Receptor-Substrate Interactions with Luminescent Quantum Dots", demonstrates that quantum dots can one day replace conventional organic dyes in biomedical applications.

By using the unique photophysical properties of quantum dots, researchers Drs. Francisco Raymo, Ibrahim Yildiz, and Massimilliano Tomasulo were able to identify operating principles to probe molecular recognition events with luminescence measurements. These findings demonstrate that mechanisms based on photoinduced electron transfer can be exploited to transduce a recognition event into a significant change in the luminescence of a quantum dot. This research proves this important fundamental principle and lay the necessary groundwork for researchers to further improve its sensitivity, stability and reproducibility for biomedical applications.




"Our method has a long-term impact on biomedical diagnostic applications which currently rely on the fluorescence of organic dyes," says Francisco Raymo, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry in the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences. "For example, our strategy can be designed to signal specific disease markers in biological samples thus replacing conventional organic dyes in a diversity of imaging and sensing applications."

Fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy have become invaluable analytical tools in biomedical research but rely on the fluorescence of organic dyes which have limited luminescent properties. Quantum dots have superior photophysical properties and will presumably replace conventional organic dyes in biomedical applications. These findings will stimulate the use of quantum dots in the biomedical research and development of disease markers and chemosensors.

"On its own this research paper is very significant and ahead of its time in the field of nanotechnology," says Alexey Titov, Licensing Manager for the University of Miami's Office of Technology Transfer. "However, it also has commercial applications which are a truly outstanding and rare combination."

Two patent applications have been filed by University of Miami Office of Technology Transfer on behalf of Dr. Raymo and colleagues for these inventions and the university is in the process of finding an industrial partner capable of commercializing these inventions.

Quantum dots, one of the smallest nanoscience research tools, range from 2 to 10 nanometers in diameter; nearly 3 million quantum dots would be needed to fit within the width of a thumb. By virtue of their distinct colors, quantum dots have quickly found their way into homes in many electronic lasers including the new PlayStation 3 and high-definition DVD players. Nanotechnology, the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, is valuable research since matter at the nanoscale has unique properties that enable novel applications. Medical researchers work at the nano-scales can develop new drug delivery methods, therapeutics and pharmaceuticals.

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science





Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Quantum Computing   Anemia   Solar Cell   Premature Birth   Mastectomy   Cancer Patient   Attractiveness   Electricity   Pollution   Immune Cells   Tumor Growth   Neurodegeneration   Yellowstone   Amyloid-beta   Wildfires   ADHD   Anxiety   Sea Level   Fear   Inflammatory Disease   Ovarian Cancer   Anesthesia   Hip Fracture   Hepatocellular Carcinoma   Tomato  
Related Quantum Dots Current Events and Quantum Dots News Articles Quantum Dots Current Events and Quantum Dots News RSS Quantum Dots Current Events and Quantum Dots News RSS
NIST develops novel ion trap for sensing force and light
Miniature devices for trapping ions (electrically charged atoms) are common components in atomic clocks and quantum computing research. Now, a novel ion trap geometry demonstrated at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) could usher in a new generation of applications because the device holds promise as a stylus for sensing very small forces or as an interface for efficient transfer of individual light particles for quantum communications.

Major Breakthrough in Early Detection and Prevention of AMD
A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati at the University of Kentucky has discovered a biological marker for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Nanoneedle is small in size, but huge in applications
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a membrane-penetrating nanoneedle for the targeted delivery of one or more molecules into the cytoplasm or the nucleus of living cells.

Singapore scientists synthesize gold to shed light on cells' inner workings
Highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters for sub-cellular imaging have been synthesized by researchers at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN).

First tri-continuous mesoporous Silica complex structure developed in Singapore
Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) has developed the first tri-continuous mesoporous material using a unique surfactant template.

McGill researchers squeeze light out of quantum dots
McGill University researchers have successfully amplified light with so-called "colloidal quantum dots," a technology that had been written off by many as a dead-end.

UConn chemists find secret to increasing luminescence efficiency of carbon nanotubes
Chemists at the University of Connecticut have found a way to greatly increase the luminescence efficiency of single-walled carbon nanotubes, a discovery that could have significant applications in medical imaging and other areas.

Safer nanoparticles spotlight tumors, deliver drugs
Small is promising when it comes to illuminating tiny tumors or precisely delivering drugs, but many worry about the safety of nano-scale materials. Now a team of scientists has created miniscule flakes of silicon that glow brightly, last long enough to slowly release cancer drugs, then break down into harmless by-products.

New imaging technique reveals the atomic structure of nanocrystals
A new imaging technique developed by researchers at the University of Illinois overcomes the limit of diffraction and can reveal the atomic structure of a single nanocrystal with a resolution of less than one angstrom (less than one hundred-millionth of a centimeter).

Nanoparticles Double Their Chances of Getting Into Sticky Situations
Chemistry researchers at the University of Warwick have found that tiny nanoparticles could be twice as likely to stick to the interface of two non mixing liquids than previously believed.
More Quantum Dots Current Events and Quantum Dots News Articles
Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots: Theoretical and Computational Physics of Semiconductor Nanostructures

Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots: Theoretical and Computational Physics of Semiconductor Nanostructures
by Paul Harrison (Author)

Quantum Wells, Wires and Dots Second Edition: Theoretical and Computational Physics of Semiconductor Nanostructures provides all the essential information, both theoretical and computational, for complete beginners to develop an understanding of how the electronic, optical and transport properties of quantum wells, wires and dots are calculated. Readers are lead through a series of simple theoretical and computational examples giving solid foundations from which they will gain the confidence to initiate theoretical investigations or explanations of their own. Emphasis on combining the analysis and interpretation of experimental data with the development of theoretical ideas Complementary to the more standard texts Aimed at the physics community at large, rather than...

Semiconductor Nanocrystal Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Assembly, Spectroscopy and Applications

Semiconductor Nanocrystal Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Assembly, Spectroscopy and Applications
by Andrey Rogach (Editor)

This is the first book to specifically focus on semiconductor nanocrystals and address their synthesis and assembly, optical properties and spectroscopy, and potential areas of nanocrystal-based devices including applications in biology and medicine. Nanoscience will transfer into new products and processes in the next two decades. One emerging area where this challenge will be successfully met is the field of semiconductor nanocrystals. Also known as colloidal quantum dots, their unique properties have attracted much attention in the last twenty years. These highly efficient fluorophores have a strong band-gap luminescence tuneable by size as a result of the quantum confinement effect and are particularly interesting for applications in biology as luminescent labels. Control over a...

Quantum Dots: a Doorway to Nanoscale Physics (Lecture Notes in Physics)

Quantum Dots: a Doorway to Nanoscale Physics (Lecture Notes in Physics)
by Springer

Quantum dots, often denoted artificial atoms, are the exquisite tools by which quantum behavior can be probed on a scale appreciably larger than the atomic scale, that is on the nanometer scale. In this way, the physics of the devices is closer to classical physics than that of atomic physics but they are still sufficiently small to clearly exhibit quantum phenomena. The present volume is devoted to an introduction to some of these fascinating aspects, addressing in particular graduate students and young researchers in the field. In the first lecture by R. Shankar, the general theoretical aspects of Fermi liquids are addressed, in particular the renormalization group approach. This is then aptly applied to large quantum dots. A completely different approach is encountered in the second...

The Quantum Dot: A Journey into the Future of Microelectronics

The Quantum Dot: A Journey into the Future of Microelectronics
by Richard Turton (Author)

Since first developed in the early sixties, silicon chip technology has made vast leaps forward. From a rudimentary circuit with a mere handful of transistors, the chip has evolved into a technological miracle, packing millions of bits of information on a surface no larger than a human thumbnail. And most experts predict that in the near future, we will see chips with over a billion bits. At the same time, this revolution in microelectronics has sparked a dramatic change in the way we live. An integral part of the computer industry, the microchip is found in everything from lasers, fax machines, and satellites to greeting cards and children's toys. And yet few people have any idea how chips work, or how so much information can be captured in such a miniscule space.

Now, in...

Omega Optical Filter Sets for Quantum Dots, Qdot Multi-color Viewing, Xenon Excitation Set

Omega Optical Filter Sets for Quantum Dots, Qdot Multi-color Viewing, Xenon Excitation Set
by Fisher Scientific

Filter; Emission; Qdot Multi-color Viewing, Xenon Excitation Set; For simultaneous multi-color viewing with Xenon excitation; Includes: exiter, dichroic, emitter

Quantum Dots: Applications in Biology (Methods in Molecular Biology)

Quantum Dots: Applications in Biology (Methods in Molecular Biology)
by Charles Z Hotz (Editor), Marcel Bruchez (Editor)

Quantum Dots captures many diverse applications enabling utility in biological detection. Organized into five parts, the first two parts cover the use of QDs in imaging fixed and living cells (and tissues). Protocols are included for using QDs in routine (protein and structural cellular labeling), as well as enabling (single receptor trafficking, clinical pathology, correlative microscopy) applications. Part 3 shows early efforts aimed at using QDs in live animals. The final 2 parts demonstrate the versatility of QD technology in existing assay technology.

Inventing Reality

Inventing Reality
The Quantum Dots (Performer)

The Quantum Dots' impressive new release, "Inventing Reality," is definitely not your average fledgling debut. Having already been compared to everything from Depeche Mode to Tool, the Quantum Dots expertly showcase their diverse talents and defy classification by delving into everything from ambient electronica, to powernoise, to thrash-metal on this CD. Sure to appeal to a broad range of listeners, from metalheads to club kids, "Inventing Reality" also features the guest-talents of a number of respected Pacific Northwest artists, including violinist Jyri Glynn of The Sins and Ned Wahl of Chemlab and Halo-Black.

Center of Gravity

Center of Gravity
by Sinister Records



Arai Quantum 2 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Pearl Black Extra Large

Arai Quantum 2 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Pearl Black Extra Large
by Arai

Arai Quantum 2 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Pearl Black

Imaginary Colors, Decorative Lights: Lime Quantum Dots G12 40-LED Light String

Imaginary Colors, Decorative Lights: Lime Quantum Dots G12 40-LED Light String
by Evidot Dotstrand

Brand NEW! Quantum Dots LED lights bring you bright, beautiful colors your neighbors have not yet seen! These are the newest technology in LED lights, though we told you about quantum dots a few years ago. As a general rule, LED Lights use 90% less energy than incandescent LED bulbs last years longer than incandescent. If one bulb goes out, the rest stay lit. LED bulbs are cool to the touch LEDs are non-fading. Even when left out in the sun.Lighted length 9.75. Wire gauge 22 Lead length 2 ft. LED Tail length 4" Swappable Colors Total length 12 ft. Bulb color Lime Bulb spacing, inches 4". Bulb Texture Faceted end-to-end. Number of bulbs 40. Cord color Green. Voltage 120.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com