Nanocrystals and Nanoparticles Versus Molecular Fluorescent Labels as Reporters for Bioanalysis and the Life Sciences: A Critical Comparison - Advanced Fluorescence Reporters in Chemistry and Biology - page 3

Nanocrystals and Nanoparticles Versus
Molecular Fluorescent Labels as Reporters
for Bioanalysis and the Life Sciences:
A Critical Comparison

Ute Resch-Genger, Markus Grabolle, Roland Nitschke, and Thomas Nann

Abstract At the core of photoluminescence techniques are suitable fluorescent
labels and reporters, the spectroscopic properties of which control the limit of
detection, the dynamic range, and the potential for multiplexing. Many applications
including recent developments in intracellular labeling rely on well established
molecular chromophores such as small organic dyes or fluorescent proteins. How-
ever, one of the most exciting - but also controversial - advances in reporter
technology, the emerging development and application of luminescent nanoparti-
cles with unique optical properties, yet complicated surface chemistry paves new
roads for fluorescence imaging and sensing as well as for in vitro and in vivo
labeling. Here, we compare and evaluate the differences in physico-chemical
properties of common fluorophores, focusing on traditional organic dyes and
luminescent nanocrystals with size-dependent features. The ultimate goal is to
provide a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of both classes
of chromophores, facilitate fluorophore choice for users of fluorescence techniques,
and address future challenges in the rational design and manipulation of nanoparti-
culate labels and probes.

Keywords Amplification Fluorescent reporter Fluorophore FRET In vitro

In vivo Labeling Lanthanide chelate Multiplexing Nanoparticle Quantum

dot Transition metal complex