QUANTERBIUM · Quanterbium: Synthesis and photonic application of terbium–modified semiconductor quantum dots for highly sensitive, background-free, multiplexed biosensors

In order to improve specificity, sensitivity and resolution of fluorescence-based diagnostic tools, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is a powerful technique. In our effort of developing new high sensitive FRET-based biosensors for multiplexing diagnostics, we propose preparationand applications of terbium-based quantum dots (Quanterbium Dots). The singular marriage between terbium complexes-donors (TCs) and quantum dots-acceptors (QDs) offers unprecedented performance and incredible versatility, thanks to the outstanding photophysical properties of the components and the easiness with which these properties can be selected and optimized for a facile tunability of the overall system. The Quanterbium project is based on the innovative idea of embedding TCs at variable positions inside a biocompatible polymeric QD coating