The effect of bio-conjugation on aging of the photoluminescence in CdSeTe-ZnS core-shell quantum dots

► We study the aging of luminescence in CdSeTe-ZnS quantum dots (QDs) dried on Si wafer. ► Upon aging the QD luminescence band blue shifts, broadens and decreases in intensity. ► The aging is ascribed to QD oxidation and is more pronounced in bio-conjugated QDs. ► The mechanism of the influence of bio-conjugation on QD oxidation is proposed.