Enhanced detection sensitivity of pegylated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots-based prostate cancer biomarkers by surface plasmon-coupled emission

► We demonstrate the quantum dots (QDs)-based cancer protein chips by using surface plasmon-coupled emission measurements. ► Semiconductor QDs instead of ordinary fluorophors are conjugated with PSA antibodies. ► We obtain a limit of detection as low as 10 fg/mL (equal to 0.3 fM). ► One of the important factors for achieving this LOD is excellent brightness of QDs compared with ordinary organic dyes.