Quantum dot bioconjugates for in vitro diagnostics & in vivo imaging. Cancer Biomark 2008;4(6):307-19
Date
01/08/2009Pubmed ID
19126959DOI
10.3233/cbm-2008-4603Scopus ID
2-s2.0-58149375843 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 199 CitationsAbstract
Semiconductor quantum dots are tiny light-emitting nanocrystals (2-10 nm) that have captivated researchers in the biomedical field in the last decade. Compared to organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical properties such as tunable emission spectra, improved brightness, superior photostability, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. Since the first successful reports on biological use of QDs a decade ago, QDs and their bioconjugates have been successfully applied in various imaging applications including fixed cell labeling, imaging of live cell dynamics, in situ tissue profiling, fluorescence detection, sensing and in vivo animal imaging. In this review, we will cover the optical properties of QDs, the biofunctionization strategies, their in vitro diagnostic applications and in vivo imaging applications. In addition, we will discuss the making of a new class of QDs--the self-illuminating QDs and their in vivo imaging and sensing applications. We will conclude with the issues and perspectives on QDs as in vivo imaging probes.
Author List
Xing Y, Rao JAuthor
Yun Xing Biostatistician I in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsBiocompatible Materials
Biomarkers, Tumor
Diagnostic Imaging
Humans
Neoplasms
Quantum Dots
Tissue Distribution
