Layer-by-layer surface modification and patterned electrostatic deposition of quantum dots

Modification of ZnS-capped CdSe quantum dot (QD) surfaces with polyelectrolyte coatings and subsequent layer-by-layer deposition to build hierarchical structures are presented. Mercaptoacetic acid (MAA)-treated QDs were sequentially coated with polyallylamine (PAA) and polyvinylsulfonic acid (PVSA) and analyzed using zeta potentials, absorbance spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. The modified QDs were deposited on patterned hyaluronic acid (HA) glass substrates to produce self-assembled heterostructures (QDs-MAA/QDs-PAA/HA/ glass), as revealed by fluorescence and atomic force microscopy.