Colloidal silicon quantum dots: from preparation to the modification of self-assembled monolayers for bioimaging and sensing applications

In this paper we present recent advances in Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensing and bioimaging using nontoxic silicon quantum dots. (SiQDs) In our work, we prepare SiQDs-dye conjugates, with SiQDs serving as the donor which are covalently attached to organic dye acceptors via self-assembled monolayer linkers. Enzymatic cleavage of the peptide leads to changes in FRET response which was monitored using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM-FRET). The combination of interfacial design and optical imaging presented in this work opens new opportunities for bio-applications using nontoxic silicon quantum dots.