Project description:CdSe semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots are assembled into nanowire-like arrays employing microtubule fibers as nanoscale molecular "scaffolds." Spectrally and time-resolved energy-transfer analysis is used to assess the assembly of the nanoparticles into the hybrid inorganic biomolecular structure. Specifically, we demonstrate that a comprehensive study of energy transfer between quantum dot pairs on the biotemplate and, alternatively, between quantum dots and molecular dyes embedded in the microtubule scaffold comprises a powerful spectroscopic tool for evaluating the assembly process. In addition to revealing the extent to which assembly has occurred, the approach allows determination of particle-to-particle (and particle-to-dye) distances within the biomediated array. Significantly, the characterization is realized in situ, without need for further sample workup or risk of disturbing the solution-phase constructs. Furthermore, we find that the assemblies prepared in this way exhibit efficient quantum dot-quantum dot and quantum dot-dye energy transfer that affords faster energy-transfer rates compared to densely packed quantum dot arrays on planar substrates and to small-molecule-mediated quantum dot-dye couples, respectively.
Project description:Carbon dots (CDs) can affect plant growth and disease resistance and assist siRNA/DNA delivery. Salvia miltiorrhiza-Derived Carbon Dots were recently found to facilitate plants to adapt to environmental stresses through amplifying Ca2+ signaling and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). More importantly, CDs can be degraded into CO2 and H2O within plant cells, thereby having fewer biosafety issues as compared to those undegradable ones and receiving more attentions in the plant community. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of CD priming on plant growth and development have not been well characterized. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic assays and aim to reveal how CD priming affect root development through transcriptional reprogramming in rice.