Photoluminescence-enhanced biocompatible quantum dots by phospholipid functionalization

A simple two-step strategy using phospholipid (PPL) to functionalize core/shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has been described. The experimental data show that the use of S–H terminated PPL results not only in the high colloidal stability of core/shell CdSe/ZnS QDs in the aqueous phase, but also in the significant enhancement of photoluminescence. The degree of the enhancement is a function of the PPL–CdSe/ZnS QDs sample concentration. These results might be promising for future biological platform in new devices ranging from photovoltaic cells to biosensors and other devices.