Semiconductor quantum dots: synthesis and water-solubilization for biomedical applications.
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
Recent developments in synthesizing high quality semiconductor QDs (mainly metal-chalcogenide compounds) and forming biocompatible structures for biomedical applications are discussed in this paper.


CONCLUSIONS
This information may facilitate the research to create new materials/technologies for future clinical applications.
Yu
William W
WW
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA. wyu@wpi.edu
D008024:Ligands; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012666:Semiconductors; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D012995:Solubility; D013499:Surface Properties
D008024:Ligands; D012822:Silicon Dioxide