Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanocrystals with superb photo-physical properties. Applications of QDs have been exponentially increased during the past decade. They can be employed in several disciplines, including biological, optical, biomedical, engineering, and energy applications. This review highlights the structural composition and distinctive features of QDs, such as resistance to photo-bleaching, wide range of excitations, and size-dependent light emission features. Physical and chemical preparation of QDs have prominent downsides, including high costs, regeneration of hazardous byproducts, and use of external noxious chemicals for capping and stabilization purposes. To eliminate the demerits of these methods, an emphasis on the latest progress of microbial synthesis of QDs by bacteria, yeast, and fungi is introduced. Some of the biomedical applications of QDs are overviewed as well, such as tumor and microRNA detection, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, and microbial labeling. Challenges facing the microbial fabrication of QDs are discussed with the future prospects to fully maximize the yield of QDs by elucidating the key enzymes intermediating the nucleation and growth of QDs. Exploration of the distribution and mode of action of QDs is required to promote their biomedical applications.
Highlights
Semiconductor nanocrystals are innovative nano-sized materials with several beneficial properties.They are designated as quantum rods (QRs), quantum dots (QDs), and quantum particles.quantum dotdot (QD) are defined as “almost rounded shaped nano-sized materials confined in a three-dimensional structure with a size ranging between 1–10 nm and they possess quantum properties due to Bohr radii” [1]
This review introduces a comprehensive outline of the basic structure of fluorescent QDs and their unique properties
This frequency of emission is viewed as fluorescence and is size dependent on the band energy gap (BEG) that can be modified by adjusting the QD size and surface chemistry [45]
Summary
Semiconductor nanocrystals are innovative nano-sized materials with several beneficial properties. The use of fungi to mediate the mycosynthesis of nanoparticles is time-consuming and must be challenged in order to establish an economical method for up-scale production [25] Problems such as slow reaction time, control over particle size and identification of the exact biochemical and molecular mechanisms for the microbial synthesis of QDs are among the research challenges that need extensive investigations. Traditional fluorescent probes or fluorophores used in biomedical applications involve organometallic and organic dyes such as rhodamines, fluoresceins, and cyanins They have prominent defects such as broad emission spectra and narrow excitation spectra with discrete absorption bands [26]. QDs have narrow emission spectra and broad excitation spectra with steady increasing bands [26] They are resistant to photo-bleaching with high photo-chemical stability and have a long-time fluorescence intensity. This review depicts the versatile biomedical applications of QDs as extremely promising tools, such as in disease detection, drug delivery, single-protein tracking, biosensors, and cellular labeling
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
