Photo-controlled fluorescent switching based on InP@ZnSe quantum dots and diarylethene for anti-counterfeiting and cell imaging

Fluorescent switches are widely used in various fields such as sensing, anti-counterfeiting, imaging, and related applications. However, the complexities of preparation and instability have hindered their rapid development and applications. This study demonstrates that a photo-controlled fluorescent switching based on InP@ZnSe quantum dots and photochromic diarylethene was constructed by a simple and efficient method. The properties of the fluorescent switching in solution and PMMA film were studied systematically. Its fluorescence modulation mechanism was investigated. Furthermore, the applications of the fluorescent switching in anti-counterfeiting and cell imaging were also explored. This work will provide a more reliable method for constructing fluorescent switches, facilitating their wide applications.