Complex logic functions implemented with quantum dot bionanophotonic circuits

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 Mar 26;6(6):3771-8. doi: 10.1021/am404659f. Epub 2013 Dec 19.

Abstract

We combine quantum dots (QDs) with long-lifetime terbium complexes (Tb), a near-IR Alexa Fluor dye (A647), and self-assembling peptides to demonstrate combinatorial and sequential bionanophotonic logic devices that function by time-gated Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Upon excitation, the Tb-QD-A647 FRET-complex produces time-dependent photoluminescent signatures from multi-FRET pathways enabled by the capacitor-like behavior of the Tb. The unique photoluminescent signatures are manipulated by ratiometrically varying dye/Tb inputs and collection time. Fluorescent output is converted into Boolean logic states to create complex arithmetic circuits including the half-adder/half-subtractor, 2:1 multiplexer/1:2 demultiplexer, and a 3-digit, 16-combination keypad lock.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Optics and Photonics
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Quantum Dots*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Peptides