To synthesize graphene oxide (GO) and a fluorescent ligand:
Graphene Oxide (GO) Preparation: Exfoliate graphite using Hummer's method, oxidizing to GO. Sonicate to disperse into stable aqueous suspension.
Fluorescent Ligand Synthesis: Modify ligand (e.g., dye or quantum dot) with functional groups (e.g., amine, carboxyl) for GO interaction. Employ bioconjugation or covalent linking.
Ligand Attachment: Incubate GO and fluorescent ligand in solvent, allowing conjugation via functional groups. Utilize EDC/NHS coupling or click chemistry for stable attachment.
Purification: Centrifuge to separate unbound ligand, wash, and resuspend in desired buffer. Analyze using fluorescence spectroscopy for ligand binding confirmation.
Fluorescence Characterization: Measure fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, assessing ligand interaction with GO. Observe shifts, intensity changes, or FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) effects.