2D fluorescence of QDs-Co2+ assembly for the discrimination of nucleotides

This work reports simple, quantum dots-based assembly coupled with 2D fluorescence (excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy) for the discrimination of nucleotides. The presented assembly was fabricated using thiomalic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots combined with cobalt (II) ions. It is shown that nucleotides can induce changes in the fluorescent fingerprint of the presented QDs-Co2+ assembly, which may be the basis for their discrimination by means of chemometric methods. The developed sensing system could be applied in the quality control of pharmaceuticals (e.g. dietary supplements).