The bright future: Imaging dynamic cellular events with quantum dots (original) (raw)

Imaging dynamic cellular events with quantum dots The bright future

The biochemist, 2010

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are tiny light-emitting particles that have emerged as a new class of fluorescent labels for biology and medicine. Compared with traditional fluorescent probes, QDs have unique optical and electronic properties such as size-tuneable light emission, narrow and symmetric emission spectra, and broad absorption spectra that enable the simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colours.

Semiconductor quantum dots for bioimaging and biodiagnostic applications

Annual review of analytical chemistry (Palo Alto, Calif.), 2013

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale that have emerged as a new class of fluorescent labels for chemical analysis, molecular imaging, and biomedical diagnostics. Compared with traditional fluorescent probes, QDs have unique optical and electronic properties such as size-tunable light emission, narrow and symmetric emission spectra, and broad absorption spectra that enable the simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. QDs are also considerably brighter and more resistant to photobleaching than are organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. These properties are well suited for dynamic imaging at the single-molecule level and for multiplexed biomedical diagnostics at ultrahigh sensitivity. Here, we discuss the fundamental properties of QDs; the development of next-generation QDs; and their applications in bioanalytical chemistry, dynamic cellular imaging, and medical diagnostics. For in vivo and clinical imaging, the potential ...

Quantum Dots for Live Cells, in Vivo Imaging, and Diagnostics

Science, 2005

Research on fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (also known as quantum dots or qdots) has evolved over the past two decades from electronic materials science to biological applications. We review current approaches to the synthesis, solubilization, and functionalization of qdots and their applications to cell and animal biology. Recent examples of their experimental use include the observation of diffusion of individual glycine receptors in living neurons and the identification of lymph nodes in live animals by near-infrared emission during surgery. The new generations of qdots have farreaching potential for the study of intracellular processes at the single-molecule level, high-resolution cellular imaging, long-term in vivo observation of cell trafficking, tumor targeting, and diagnostics.

Quantum Dot Nanocrystals for In Vivo Molecular and Cellular ImagingĀ¶

Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2004

Semiconductor quantum dots (QD) are nanometer-sized crystals with unique photochemical and photophysical properties that are not available from either isolated molecules or bulk solids ?1 . In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, QD are emerging as a new class of fluorescent labels with improved brightness, resistance against photobleaching and multicolor fluorescence emission. These properties could improve the sensitivity of biological detection and imaging by at least 10-to 100-fold. Further development in high-quality nearinfrared-emitting QD should allow ultrasensitive and multicolor imaging of molecular targets in deep tissue and living animals. Here, we discuss recent developments in QD synthesis and bioconjugation, applications in molecular and cellular imaging as well as promising directions for future research.

Bioconjugated quantum dots for in vivo molecular and cellular imagingā˜†

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2008

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale, and are emerging as a new class of fluorescent labels for biology and medicine. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, they have unique optical and electronic properties, with size-tunable light emission, superior signal brightness, resistance to photobleaching, and broad absorption spectra for simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. QDs also provide a versatile nanoscale scaffold for designing multifunctional nanoparticles with both imaging and therapeutic functions. When linked with targeting ligands such as antibodies, peptides or small molecules, QDs can be used to target tumor biomarkers as well as tumor vasculatures with high affinity and specificity. Here we discuss the synthesis and development of state-of-the-art QD probes and their use for molecular and cellular imaging. We also examine key issues for in vivo imaging and therapy, such as nanoparticle biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology.

Chemical analysis and cellular imaging with quantum dots

The Analyst, 2004

Quantum dots are tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale. They are emerging as a new class of biological labels with properties and applications that are not available with traditional organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. Their novel properties such as improved brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and multicolor light emission, have opened new possibilities for ultrasensitive chemical analysis and cellular imaging. In this Research Highlight article, we discuss the unique optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots, surface chemistry and bioconjugation, current applications in bioanalytical chemistry and cell biology, and future research directions.