Application of functional quantum dot nanoparticles as fluorescence probes in cell labeling and tumor diagnostic imaging.

Mei-Xia Zhao,Er-Zao Zeng

doi:10.1186/s11671-015-0873-8

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of nanomaterials with good optical properties. Compared with organic dyes, QDs have unique photophysical properties: size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. Possessing versatile surface chemistry and superior optical features, QDs are useful in a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications. When linked with targeting biomolecules, QDs can be used to target cell biomarkers because of high luminescence and stability. So QDs have the potential to become a novel class of fluorescent probes. This review outlines the basic properties of QDs, cell fluorescence labeling, and tumor diagnosis imaging and discusses the future directions of QD-focused bionanotechnology research in the life sciences.

Highlights

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of nanomaterials with good optical properties
Quantum dots have unique optical properties QDs have gained attraction owing to their unique fluorescence properties, which are due to the electron–hole and the interaction with the surrounding environment
When we want to obtain a variety of colors from multifarious fluorescent dyes, we often need a variety of excitation light, which increases the experimental costs and makes the analysis system more complex

Summary

Introduction

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of nanomaterials with good optical properties. Compared with organic dyes, QDs have unique photophysical properties: size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. Alivisatos and Nie employed QDs as fluorescent probes in biological staining and diagnostics that provided a novel study to display QDs as labels for cell and tissue research [16,17]. We briefly review the basic properties of QDs and the application of functionalized QDs as fluorescent probes in biological systems.

Results

Conclusion