Quantum Dot-Based Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are specialized engineered nanomaterials with exceptional optoelectronic possessions. They are a favorable option to traditional luminescent dyes for biomedical fields containing biomolecule targeting, drug delivery, and luminescence imaging. QDs are new alternative materials in many biomedical applications. Some are for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. QDs are widely used for bioimaging and fluorescence detection due to their unusual photoluminescent properties, comprising their ability to tune emission wavelengths by adjusting nanoparticle size. With such optoelectronic features, it is of great value for multiple applications. In addition, QDs show very high molar adsorption constants and higher quantum yields compared to organic fluorophores. As a result, such fluorescent nanoparticles are approximately 20 times brighter than conventional organic dyes and thousands of times more stable for photobleaching. This characteristic optical behavior enables QDs to emerge as worthful photoluminescent probes in many areas. This book chapter is intended to give the properties of the QDs and advances made in the use of QDs for diagnostic and therapeutic fields.