Controlled stoichiometric synthesis of DNA–quantum dot conjugates using Ni-mediated coordination chemistry

Abstract

An oligonucleotide modified with Ni-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) was successfully synthesized and used for the stoichiometric functionalization of QDs. This synthetic approach allowed for the facile preparation of DNA–QD conjugates with a defined DNA/QD ratio using well-known Ni–histidine coordination chemistry. A FRET based DNA–QD nanoprobe was prepared using this method highlighting the great potential of this synthetic strategy.