The convergence of quantum-dot-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer and microfluidics for monitoring DNA polyplex self-assembly in real time

Nanotechnology. 2009 Mar 4;20(9):095103. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/9/095103. Epub 2009 Feb 6.

Abstract

We present a novel convergence of quantum-dot-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (QD-FRET) and microfluidics, through which molecular interactions were precisely controlled and monitored using highly sensitive quantum-dot-mediated FRET. We demonstrate its potential in studying the kinetics of self-assembly of DNA polyplexes under laminar flow in real time with millisecond resolution. The integration of nanophotonics and microfluidics offers a powerful tool for elucidating the formation of polyelectrolyte polyplexes, which is expected to provide better control and synthesis of uniform and customizable polyplexes for future nucleic acid-based therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Systems
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Systems Integration

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • DNA