Issue 18, 2017

Quantum dot probes for cellular analysis

Abstract

Highly fluorescent and robust semiconductor nanocrystals (known as quantum dots or QDs) play a pivotal role in biological applications. In particular, the excellent optical properties of QDs make them more suitable for immunolabeling, molecular imaging, and multiplexed biological detection for cellular analysis than conventional fluorescent dyes. Many studies have applied QD probes for in vitro and in vivo assays, showing great improvements with respect to gaining insight into bioanalytical chemistry, target specificity, and cytotoxicity. In this review, we discuss the optical properties, specificity, and cytotoxic effects of QDs as well as the progress achieved in multicolor cellular imaging, immunolabeling for signaling pathways, and molecular detection at the cellular level. In addition, carbon QDs as alternatives to the toxic cadmium-based QDs and their applications in biotechnology are discussed. Despite the rapid development and recent progress of QD probes, much more work is required to determine the toxicity of cadmium-containing QDs used in live cells and animals.

Graphical abstract: Quantum dot probes for cellular analysis

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
03 jan 2017
Accepted
03 jan 2017
First published
26 jan 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Anal. Methods, 2017,9, 2621-2632

Quantum dot probes for cellular analysis

D. Ren, B. Wang, C. Hu and Z. You, Anal. Methods, 2017, 9, 2621 DOI: 10.1039/C7AY00018A

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