Current Advances in Quantum-Dots-Based Photoelectrochemical Immunoassays

Abstract

As a newly developed technique, photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassays have attracted great attention in recent years because of their low cost and desirable sensitivity. Because the detection signal originates from the photoelectric conversion of photoelectric materials, the appearance and application of quantum dots (QDs), which possess unique photophysical properties and regulated optoelectronic characteristics, has taken the development of PEC immunoassays to new heights. This review concisely introduces the general mechanism of QDs-based photoelectric conversion for immunoassays and summarizes the current advances in QD applications in immunoassays. Given that signal strategies and photoactive materials are the key elements in PEC biosensor systems, we comprehensively highlight the state-of-the-art signaling strategies and various applications of QDs in PEC immunoassays to introduce advances in QDs-based PEC immunoassays. Finally, challenges and future developmental trends are briefly discussed.

Keywords: immunoassays; photoelectrochemistry; quantum dots; sensors; signal transduction.