High-resolution patterning of colloidal quantum dots via non-destructive, light-driven ligand crosslinking

Establishing multi-colour patterning technology for colloidal quantum dots is critical for realising high-resolution displays based on the material. Here, we report a solution-based processing method to form patterns of quantum dots using a light-driven ligand crosslinker, ethane-1,2-diyl bis(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate). The crosslinker with two azide end groups can interlock the ligands of neighbouring quantum dots upon exposure to UV, yielding chemically robust quantum dot films. Exploiting the light-driven crosslinking process, different colour CdSe-based core-shell quantum dots can be photo-patterned; quantum dot patterns of red, green and blue primary colours with a sub-pixel size of 4 mu mx16 mu m, corresponding to a resolution of >1400 pixels per inch, are demonstrated. The process is non-destructive, such that photoluminescence and electroluminescence characteristics of quantum dot films are preserved after crosslinking. We demonstrate that red crosslinked quantum dot light-emitting diodes exhibiting an external quantum efficiency as high as 14.6% can be obtained. Designing high-resolution displays based on colloidal quantum dots remains a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a photo-patterning method to develop CdSe-based core-shell quantum dots patterns of red, green and blue colours with diameters ranging from 7 to 20nm and resolution of 1400 pixels per inch

Identification of the binding subunit of the sigma-type opiate receptor by photoaffinity labeling with 1-(4-azido-2-methyl[6-3H]phenyl)-3-(2-methyl[4,6-3H]phenyl)guanidine.

The sigma-type opiate receptor is a distinct binding site in the brain that may mediate some of the psychotomimetic effects caused by benzomorphan opiates and phencyclidine in humans. We have developed a synthetic, highly selective ligand for this receptor, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG). To identify the binding protein(s) of the sigma receptor, we have now synthesized a radiolabeled azide derivative of DTG, 1-(4-azido-2-methyl[6-3H]phenyl)-3-(2-methyl[4,6-3H]phenyl)-guanidine ([3H]N3DTG). In guinea pig brain membrane binding assays conducted in the dark, [3H]N3DTG bound reversibly, selectively, and with high affinity (Kd = 10 nM) to sigma receptors. The drug specificity profile of reversible [3H]-N3DTG binding was identical to that of [3H]DTG and 3H-labeled (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine binding indicating that [3H]N3DTG is a selective sigma receptor ligand. Guinea pig brain membranes were photoaffinity-labeled with [3H]N3DTG. NaDodSO4/PAGE of detergent-solubilized membrane extract identified a single 29-kDa radioactive band. Sepharose Cl-6B gel chromatography of photolabeled brain membranes solubilized with the nondenaturing detergent sodium cholate showed a radioactive complex with a Stoke's radius of 4.6 nm (Mr, 150,000) that may represent the intact sigma receptor complex. NaDodSO4/PAGE of this complex showed that the radiolabeled material was a 29-kDa polypeptide that may be the binding subunit of the sigma receptor. The specific sigma receptor photoaffinity ligand described here should be a useful tool for purifying and characterizing the sigma receptor