Preparation of quantum dot/drug nanoparticle formulations for traceable targeted delivery and therapy.
Quantum dots (QDs) are luminescent nanocrystals with rich surface chemistry and unique optical properties that make them useful as probes or carriers for traceable targeted delivery and therapy applications. QDs can be functionalized to target specific cells or tissues by conjugating them with targeting ligands. Recent advancement in making biocompatible QD formulations has made these nanocrystals suitable for in vivo applications. This review provides an overview of the preparation of QDs and their use as probes or carriers for traceable, targeted therapy of diseases in vitro and in vivo. More specifically, recent advances in the integration of QDs with drug formulations for therapy and their potential toxicity in vitro and in vivo are highlighted. The current findings and challenges for optimizing QD/drug formulations with respect to optimal size and stability, short-term and long-term toxicity, and in vivo applications are described. Lastly, we attempt to predict key trends in QD/drug formulation development over the next few years and highlight areas of therapy where their use may provide breakthrough results in the near future.
1. School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
Ken-Tye
KT
Yong
Yucheng
Y
Wang
Indrajit
I
Roy
Hu
H
Rui
Mark T
MT
Swihart
Wing-Cheung
WC
Law
Sang Kyu
SK
Kwak
Ling
L
Ye
Jianwei
J
Liu
Supriya D
SD
Mahajan
Jessica L
JL
Reynolds