title: Potential clinical applications of quantum dots.
abstract: The use of luminescent colloidal quantum dots in biological investigations has increased dramatically over the past several years due to their unique size-dependent optical properties and recent advances in biofunctionalization. In this review, we describe the methods for generating high-quality nanocrystals and report on current and potential uses of these versatile materials. Numerous examples are provided in several key areas including cell labeling, biosensing, in vivo imaging, bimodal magnetic-luminescent imaging, and diagnostics. We also explore toxicity issues surrounding these materials and speculate about the future uses of quantum dots in a clinical setting.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, US Naval Research Laboratory,Washington, DC, USA. imedintz@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil
authors.forename: Igor L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Medintz
authors.forename: Hedi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mattoussi
authors.forename: Aaron R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Clapp
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D045663:Quantum Dots