In vitro and in vivo imaging with quantum dots.
Quantum dots (QDs), also named semiconductor nanocrystals, have initiated a new realm of bioscience by combining nanomaterials with biology, which will profoundly influence future biological and biomedical research. In this review, we describe the extraordinary optical properties of QDs and developments in methods for their synthesis. We focus on fluorescent imaging with QDs both in vitro and in vivo, and the cytotoxicity of QDs and potential barriers to their use in practical biomedical applications. Finally, we provide insights into improvements aimed at decreasing the cytotoxicity of QDs and the future outlook of QD applications in biomedical fields.
Wang
Chao
C
Department of Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
Gao
Xue
X
Su
Xingguang
X
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D045663:Quantum Dots; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes