Nontoxic,
highly sensitive InP quantum dot (QD) fluorescent immunoassay
probes are promising biomedical detection modalities due to their
unique properties. However, InP-based QDs are prone to surface oxidation,
and the stability of InP QD-based probes in biocompatible environments
remains a crucial challenge. Although the thick shell can provide
some protection during the phase transfer process of hydrophobic QDs,
the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is generally decreased
because of the contradiction between lattice stress relaxation and
thick shell growth. Herein, we developed thick-shell InP-based core/shell
QDs by inserting a ZnSeS alloy layer. The ternary ZnSeS intermediate
shell could effectively facilitate lattice stress relaxation and passivate
the defect states. The synthesized InP/ZnSe/ZnSeS/ZnS core/alloy shell/shell
QDs (CAS-InP QDs) with nanostructure tailoring revealed a larger size,
high PLQY (90%), and high optical stability. After amphiphilic polymer
encapsulation, the aqueous CAS-InP QDs presented almost constant fluorescence
attenuation and stable PL intensity under different temperatures,
UV radiation, and pH solutions. The CAS-InP QDs were excellent labels
of the fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) for detecting
C-reactive protein (CRP). The biotin–streptavidin (Bio–SA)
system was first introduced in the FLISA to further improve the sensitivity,
and the CAS-InP QDs-based SA–Bio sandwich FLISA realized the
detection of CRP with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.83
ng/mL. It is believed that the stable and sensitive InP QD fluorescent
probes will drive the rapid development of future eco-friendly, cost-effective,
and sensitive in vitro diagnostic kits.