title: Quantum dot-based nanoprobes for in vivo targeted imaging.
abstract: Fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have attracted tremendous attention over the last decade. The superior optical properties of QDs over conventional organic dyes make them attractive labels for a wide variety of biomedical applications, whereas their potential toxicity and instability in biological environment have puzzled scientific researchers. Much research effort has been devoted to surface modification and functionalization of QDs to make them versatile probes for biomedical applications, and significant progress has been made over the last several years. This review article aims to describe the current state-of-the-art of the synthesis, modification, bioconjugation, and applications of QDs for in vivo targeted imaging. In addition, QD-based multifunctional nanoprobes are also summarized.
authors.affiliation: (W. Cai) Departments of Radiology and Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Room 7137, 1111 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA. wcai@uwhealth.org.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Z P
authors.initials: ZP
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D045663:Quantum Dots
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials