Effects of analytes on the fluorescence properties of CdTe@ZnS quantum dots decorated with cobalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine

In this work, we have carried out an investigation on the effects of different biologically active analytes on the fluorescence response of glutathione-capped CdTe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs)-colbalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine nanoconjugate system. Firstly, fluorescence quenching occurred. Experimental results showed that some analytes either "turned on", others further quenched or showed no effect on the fluorescence emission of the nanoprobe. -- Highlights: • A conjugate between CdTe@ZnS quantum dots and cobalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine is formed. • The fluorescence of quantum dots is quenched on coordination. • The fluorescence is enhanced by analytes such as cystamine, hydroxyl radical, glutathione, and perchlorate