title: Quantum Dot-Based Nanotools for Bioimaging, Diagnostics, and Drug Delivery.
abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are highly fluorescent nanocrystals with advanced photophysical and spectral properties: high brightness and stability against photobleaching accompanied by broad excitation and narrow emission spectra. Water-soluble QDs functionalized with biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, antibodies, and drugs, are used for biomedical applications. The advantages of QD-based approaches to immuno-histochemical analysis, single-molecule tracking, and in vivo imaging (over traditional methods with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins) are explained. The unique spectral properties of QDs offer opportunities for designing systems for multiplexed analysis by multicolor imaging for the simultaneous detection of multiple targets. Conjugation of drug molecules with QDs or their incorporation into QD-based drug-delivery particles makes it possible to monitor real-time drug tracking and carry out image-guided therapy. Because of the tunability of their photophysical properties, QDs emitting in the near-infrared have become an attractive tool for deep-tissue mono- and multiphoton in vivo imaging. We review recent achievements in QD applications for bioimaging, targeting, and drug delivery, as well as challenges related to their toxicity and non-biodegradability. Key and perspectives for further development of advanced QD-based nanotools are addressed.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Nano-Bioengineering, National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI" (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 31 Kashirskoe shosse, 115259, Moscow, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bilan
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51 rue Cognacq Jay, 51100, Reims, France.|Laboratory of Nano-Bioengineering, National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI" (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 31 Kashirskoe shosse, 115259, Moscow, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Igor
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8391-040X
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nabiev
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Recherche en Nanosciences, LRN-EA4682, UFR de Pharmacie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51 rue Cognacq Jay, 51100, Reims, France.|Laboratory of Nano-Bioengineering, National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI" (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 31 Kashirskoe shosse, 115259, Moscow, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Alyona
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2796-7898
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sukhanova
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D036103:Nanotechnology; D045663:Quantum Dots / Q000737:chemistry*; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D004337:Drug Carriers
keywords: bioconjugates; bioimaging; drug delivery; fluorescent nanocrystals; nanotechnology; quantum dots