Semiconductor quantum dots as fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo bio-molecular and cellular imaging

Abstract

Over the years, biological imaging has seen many advances, allowing scientists to unfold many of the mysteries surrounding biological processes. The ideal imaging resolution would be in nanometres, as most biological processes occur at this scale. Nanotechnology has made this possible with functionalised nanoparticles that can bind to specific targets and trace processes at the cellular and molecular level. Quantum dots (QDs) or semiconductor nanocrystals are luminescent particles that have the potential to be the next generation fluorophores. This paper is an overview of the basics of QDs and their role as fluorescent probes for various biological imaging applications. Their potential clinical applications and the limitations that need to be overcome have also been discussed. Keywords: quantum dots; in vitro and in vivo imaging (Published: 16 August 2010) Citation: Nano Reviews 2010, 1: 5161 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v1i0.5161