Issue 11, 2010

Designing multifunctional quantum dots for bioimaging, detection, and drug delivery

Abstract

The emerging field of bionanotechnology aims at revolutionizing biomedical research and clinical practice via introduction of nanoparticle-based tools, expanding capabilities of existing investigative, diagnostic, and therapeutic techniques as well as creating novel instruments and approaches for addressing challenges faced by medicine. Quantum dots (QDs), semiconductor nanoparticles with unique photo-physical properties, have become one of the dominant classes of imaging probes as well as universal platforms for engineering of multifunctional nanodevices. Possessing versatile surface chemistry and superior optical features, QDs have found initial use in a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications. However, careful engineering of QD probes guided by application-specific design criteria is becoming increasingly important for successful transition of this technology from proof-of-concept studies towards real-life clinical applications. This review outlines the major design principles and criteria, from general ones to application-specific, governing the engineering of novel QD probes satisfying the increasing demands and requirements of nanomedicine and discusses the future directions of QD-focused bionanotechnology research (critical review, 201 references).

Graphical abstract: Designing multifunctional quantum dots for bioimaging, detection, and drug delivery

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
23 N’w 2009
First published
09 Mha 2010

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2010,39, 4326-4354

Designing multifunctional quantum dots for bioimaging, detection, and drug delivery

P. Zrazhevskiy, M. Sena and X. Gao, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2010, 39, 4326 DOI: 10.1039/B915139G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements