The Giorgio lab’s work with antibody-functionalized quantum dots is largely based on the concept of creating quantum dot-antibody-protein complex that results in an agglomerate that is highly fluorescent and quantifiable. Initially, the plan was to put antibody-functionalized quantum dots into serum samples, allow time for the agglomerates to form, and then run the serum through a flow cytometer, where one or more fixed-wavelength lasers would excite the agglomerates. Since most varieties of quantum dots excite at the same wavelength regardless of their emission wavelength, quantum dots functionalized according to their emission wavelength with antibodies specific for different proteins could be combined in one sample, saving time, money, and inconvenience for the patient.

However, the state of microfluidics also brought forth a new possibility: reusable handheld chips with simple optics and etched microfluidic pathways could accomplish the same goal with a much smaller cost and footprint. The members of the Giorgio lab explained their idea to me, and I came up with the above figure. This figure was used in a successful grant proposal, and research and development for the device is currently being conducted.

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