Colour-coded layer-by-layer microcapsules as combinatory analysis libraries and as specific optical sensors

摘要

Color-coded microcapsules, with a mean diameter of =10 Microm and preferably =1 Microm,colored in a layer-by-layer structure, where colloids in a mono dispersion are coated with polyelectrolytes, are new. Dyes of different fluorescent colors are added to the polyelectrolytes in defined amounts, with a covalent bonding. Barriers are between the layers to block undesired reactions, but a Foerster resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be generated between suitable dye pairs separated by 0-6 nm. The capsule coding is read by the variation in the excitation and emission wavelength.