Data files for Fluorescence lifetime imaging of aptamer-functionalised InP/ZnS quantum dots reveals surface functionalisation and bacterial recognition

This dataset accompanies the manuscript: Malhotra, S.; Hirvonen, L. M.; Morris, E. J.; Naidu, V.; Goreham, R. V. Fluorescence lifetime imaging of aptamer-functionalised InP/ZnS quantum dots reveals surface functionalisation and bacterial recognition. The repository contains the experimental and computational data supporting the findings presented in the manuscript, including: Raw and processed fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) data Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescence decay data Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy data Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation output and analysis Supporting figures and analysis files used to generate the published results The study investigates fluorescence lifetime changes during the functionalisation of cadmium-free InP/ZnS quantum dots with Escherichia coli-specific DNA aptamers and demonstrates the use of FLIM as an intensity-independent method for monitoring nanoparticle surface modification and bacterial recognition. If these data are used, please cite both this dataset and the associated journal publication. Keywords: fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), quantum dots, InP/ZnS, aptamers, bacterial sensing, Escherichia coli, nanomaterials, bioimaging, molecular dynamics.