Scanning photoluminescent spectroscopy of bioconjugated quantum dots

We report on the application of the bio-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) for a “sandwich” enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) cancer testing technique. Quantum dot ELISA detection of the cancer PSA antigen at concentrations as low as 0.01 ng/ml which is ∼50 times lower than the classic “sandwich” ELISA was demonstrated. Scanning photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was performed on dried ELISA wells and the results compared with the same QD samples dried on a solid substrate. We confirmed a “blue” up to 37 nm PL spectral shift in a case of QDs conjugated to PSA antibodies. Increasing of the “blue” spectral shift was observed at lower PSA antigen concentrations. The results can be used to improve sensitivity of “sandwich” ELISA cancer antigen detection.