Optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures
US8486709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/177692
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described. Generally, the nanosensors comprise a photoluminescent nanostructure and a polymer that interacts with the photoluminescent nanostructure. In some cases, the interaction between the polymer and the nanostructure can be non-covalent (e.g., via van der Waals interactions). The nanosensors comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent nanostructure may be particularly useful in determining the presence and/or concentration of relatively small molecules, in some embodiments. In addition, in some instances the nanosensors may be capable of determining relatively low concentrations of analytes, in some cases determining as little as a single molecule. In some embodiments, the interaction between the analyte and the nanosensor (e.g., between the analyte and the photoluminescent nanostructure) can be reversible, which may allow, for example, for the reuse of a nanosensor after it has been exposed to an analyte.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.