Are quantum dots toxic?
Cell culture experiments demonstrate that quantum dots (QD) induce cytotoxicity via two mechanisms: (A) QD degradation with release of free cadmium and (B) Generation of reactive oxygen species. These mechanisms likely combine to cause toxicity.
What are the medical applications of quantum dots?
Applications for in vivo use of semiconductor quantum dots are imaging of tumor vasculature, imaging of tumor-specific membrane antigens, as well as imaging of sentinel lymph nodes. Multicolor fluorescence imaging of cancer cells can be accomplished by systemic injection of quantum-dot-based multifunctional nanoprobes.
Do quantum dots degrade?
QDs can be degraded by oxygen, water, thermal heating, and UV exposure. Various approaches have been developed to protect QDs from degradation by controlling the composition of their shells and ligands.
How can we reduce the toxicity of quantum dots?
For instance, ZnS coating protects the QD core from oxidation, which minimizes Cd2+ leakage and reduces the QD-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, the use of antioxidants, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to be effective in reducing QD cytotoxicity.
Are quantum dots crystals?
Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale crystals that that can transport electrons. When UV light hits these semiconducting nanoparticles, they can emit light of various colors. These artificial semiconductor nanoparticles that have found applications in composites, solar cells and fluorescent biological labels.
What is quantum dots in biology?
Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals that have broad excitation spectra, narrow emission spectra, tunable emission peaks, long fluorescence lifetimes, negligible photobleaching, and ability to be conjugated to proteins, making them excellent probes for bioimaging applications.
Are quantum dots stable?
Rational design of water-dispersible CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots enables ultraefficient, highly stable, and tunable multicolor electrochemiluminescence generation.