Quantum Dots and Their Potential Biomedical Applications in Photosensitization for Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Semiconductor quantum dots have received considerable interest in recent years as a result of their unique optical properties, leading to many applications in biology. This review examines their potential for photosensitization in photodynamic therapy compared with, and in combination with, conventional photosensitizing organic dyes. Photodynamic therapy is used for treating a range of malignant tumors and certain non-malignant pathologies, and conventional photosensitizers are based on organic dyes that are efficient generators of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. By exploiting the unique optical properties of quantum dots, the conjugation of quantum dots with photosensitizers and targeting agents could provide a new class of versatile multifunctional nanoparticles for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications.

Keywords::

• cancer
• energy transfer
• FRET
• PDT
• photodynamic therapy
• photosensitizer
• quantum dots
• singlet oxygen

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.