An efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer system from quantum dots to graphene oxide nano sheets: Application in a photoluminescence aptasensing probe for the sensitive detection of diazinon

In this paper a new aptasensor with high-sensitivity, and high-specificity for detection of diazinon, was discovered, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between quantum dot (QD) as a donor and graphene oxide (GO) as an acceptor. L-cysteine capped CdS QDs/DF20 aptamer bioconjugates were successfully synthesized. GO was also attached to aptamers and photoluminescence quenching was obtained through FRET. By adding target diazinon to the bioconjugates containing GO, photoluminescence recovery was detected due to detachment of GO from the aptamer as a result of the difference in affinity for the aptamer. The detection limit of the biosensor was 0.13 nM and the linearity was maintained from 1.05 to 206 nM. Other pesticides and herbicides did not contribute to photoluminescence recovery due to lack of binding affinity for the aptamers, which demonstrates the selectivity of the biosensor. The results show the applicability of the aptasensor for monitoring diazinon in environmental and agricultural samples.