Using a previously selected and characterized aptamer (known as 3MR5) for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) based optical biosensor for AFB1 was constructed. Experiments were conducted utilising the organic chromophores Fluorescein (FAM) and Black Hole Quencher 1 (BHQ1) that had been incorporated into a complementary oligonucleotide sequence or capture probe (RCP), and the 3MR5 sequence, respectively.Fluorescence experiments were conducted with the hope that the FRET based quenching caused by close proximity of the chromophores would be disrupted upon introduction of AFB1, and that this change in fluorescence could be exploited to develop a novel biosensor. It was discovered that no recovery of fluorescence occurred after addition of AFB1 and so an alternative FRET pair was tested. This new FRET pair was that of 525 nm emitting Quantum Dots (QDs) and spherical gold nanoparticle (AuNPs). Hybridization of RCP conjugated QDs and 3MR5 conjugated AuNPs resulted in the quenching of the QD fluorescence, however addition of AFB1 did not result in any recovery of fluorescence. Potential causes for this lack of fluorescence recovery are discussed.I would like to thank Maria DeRosa and the entire DeRosa group for constantly encouraging me to keep going. I would not be here if not for all of you. Your optimism and encouragement will never be forgotten. You all have a place in my heart.I would like to thank my family for always encouraging me and believing in me. I would like to thank my mother who always believed in me and would always offer me support in hard times. You are why I am here today, and why I continue to strive to improve myself. I would like to thank my uncle Marc who is the reason I pursued this path in academia, and who always offered me advice when I needed it. My love of chemistry stems from you, and I would not have chosen any other path.I would like to thank the friends I made in World of Warcraft, who kept me company on weekends and helped me relax. Raiding Molten Core and Blackwing Lair helped me wind down after long days. As someone who is not very social, you guys made me feel at home. I look forward to more weekends raiding in the future. Long Live Kinsworn Hunters and Betrayed. I finally would like to thank my recently deceased dog, Boss, for keeping me company through many long nights. You will be sorely missed. You kept me calm when things were tough, and always loved me back.