Bioinspired quantum dots: Promising nanosystems for biomedical application

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals exhibiting a unique morphology and morphology-dependent optical, electrical and biological properties. The synthesis, characterization and applications of QDs are highly active fields of investigation. However, recently biological routes to synthesize quantum dots have gained a lot of attention as they produce highly biocompatible and non-toxic QDs that possess excellent morphologies and tunable properties. Moreover, the green synthesis of QDs eliminates the use of hazardous chemicals and solvents, and therefore, becomes a cost-effective and environment-friendly approach. Owing to these properties, the bioinspired QDs show broad applications in biomedical domains like diagnosis and treating different diseases. Further, this review aims to impart a detailed discussion on the biomedical utilities of bioinspired quantum dots by highlighting surface modification techniques and biosafety aspects of quantum dots, making this review one of its kind.