Abstract

According to the results of fundamental research of quenching of luminescence of the probes bound to proteins, we developed an optical sensors based on protein macromolecules. Suggested sensors are human serum albumin proteins with noncovalently bound fluorescent probe. As fluorescent probes we selected quantum dots ZnCdS, and dyes from acridine and xanthene series. It was established that the fluorescence of quantum dots is selectively responsive to heavy metal ions such as zinc, cadmium and copper. Sensitivity of luminescent-kinetic parameters of the probes from xanthene and acridine series to the presence of heavy metal ions as well as to structural changes in proteins was revealed. Sensors based on electronic excitation energy transfer between proteins and probes as well as between the probes associated by noncovalent bonds with proteins for determination of the structural changes in proteins were developed.

© 2014 Optical Society of America