Application of functional quantum dot nanoparticles as fluorescence probes in cell labeling and tumor diagnostic imaging

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are a class of nanomaterials with good optical properties. Compared with organic dyes, QDs have unique photophysical properties: size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. Possessing versatile surface chemistry and superior optical features, QDs are useful in a variety of in vitro and in vivo applications. When linked with targeting biomolecules, QDs can be used to target cell biomarkers because of high luminescence and stability. So QDs have the potential to become a novel class of fluorescent probes. This review outlines the basic properties of QDs, cell fluorescence labeling, and tumor diagnosis imaging and discusses the future directions of QD-focused bionanotechnology research in the life sciences.Keywords: Nanoparticles; Quantum dots; Optical properties; Biomaterials ReviewQuantum dots (QDs) are a kind of semiconductor fluorescent semiconductors, which have gained attraction in recent years by scientists as a novel fluorescent probe [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Compared with conventional organic fluorescent probes, QDs have shown great potential to be fluorescent probes and images in biology because of their unique optical properties [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Alivisatos and Nie employed QDs as fluorescent probes in biological staining and diagnostics that provided a novel study to display QDs as labels for cell and tissue research [16,17]. In recent years, QDs have been widely used in many fields of life sciences as fluorescent markers [18][19][20][21]. Herein, we briefly review the basic properties of QDs and the application of functionalized QDs as fluorescent probes in biological systems. The unique properties of quantum dotsQDs have unique optical and electrical properties due to its quantum effect and size effect. When the size of a particle is of nanometer scale, it will cause quantum confinement effect, size effect, dielectric confinement effect, macroscopic quantum effect, and surface effect. Consequently, QDs exhibit many optical properties different from macroscopic materials, and they have a very broad application prospects in biological fluorescent probes and functional materials. Therefore, QDs will have a meaningful effect on the continued development of life sciences [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Quantum dots have unique optical propertiesQDs have gained attraction owing to their unique fluorescence properties, which are due to the electron-hole and the interaction with the surrounding environment. When the excitation level of photon exceeds the band gap, the QDs will absorb photons to make the electrons transit from the valence band to the conduction band and shine. And if the composition and size of the QDs changed, they could obtain the emission spectra within the range from blue to red [29][30][31]. Conversely, when we want to obtain a variety of colors from multifarious fluorescent dyes, we often need a variety of excitation light, which not only incre...

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