title: Quantum dots for biomedical applications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nanotechnology is an emerging field that could have a significant impact on cancer diagnosis, treatment and analysis. Quantum dots represent one of the most interesting nanotechnology-based platforms, and their unique properties make them a potentially versatile tool for molecular diagnostics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Here, the most promising uses of quantum dots for translational research are reviewed, ranging from multiplexed immunofluorescence, targeted drug delivery coupled with disease visualization, tumor and sentinel organs localization and long-term cell tracing. Finally, potential future directions for quantum dots as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in biomedical research will be explored.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of quantum dots in biomedical applications is accelerating owing to their unique physical attributes, imaging capabilities, and potential for therapeutic delivery.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Superiore di Sanitá, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Division, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy michele.signore@iss.it.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Signore
authors.forename: Lance A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Liotta
authors.forename: Ruggero De
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Maria
authors.forename: Emanuel F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Petricoin