Semiconductor quantum dots: synthesis and water-solubilization for biomedical applications

Abstract

Background: Quantum dots (QDs) are generally nanosized inorganic particles. They have distinctive size-dependent optical properties due to their very small size (mostly < 10 nm). QDs are regarded as promising new fluorescent materials for biological labeling and imaging because of their superior properties compared with traditional organic molecular dyes. These properties include high quantum efficiency, long-term photostability and very narrow emission but broad absorption spectra. Objective/methods: Recent developments in synthesizing high quality semiconductor QDs (mainly metal-chalcogenide compounds) and forming biocompatible structures for biomedical applications are discussed in this paper. Results/conclusions: This information may facilitate the research to create new materials/technologies for future clinical applications.

Keywords::

• cytotoxicity
• imaging
• labeling
• nanoparticle
• quantum dot
• semiconductor nanocrystal
• water-soluble

Notes