(Bio)conjugation Strategies Applied to Fluorescent Semiconductor Quantum Dots

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals, which present unique photophysical properties, enabling their application as new fluorescent platforms for biomedical sciences. Colloidal QDs are end-capped with organic or inorganic compounds, not only to prevent their agglomeration but also to provide reaction sites for the attachment of targeting (bio)molecules, nanoparticles or other interfaces, for specific biological purposes. The (bio)conjugation can involve non-covalent or covalent interactions, which can be accomplished through different strategies. The final assembly needs to maintain its chemical and optical stability and biochemical functionality. Although a relative good comprehension of the experimental procedures has been established, the bioconjugation process is still a challenge. The present manuscript aims to review the main (bio)conjugation strategies successfully applied to QDs, describing the steps necessary to prepare stable targeting fluorescent nanoplatforms, as well as some usual methods used to evaluate and optimize this process.

Haemostatic Nanoparticles-Derived Bioactivity of from Selaginella tamariscina Carbonisata

“…Compared to the NS group (1053 × 10 9 /L), the high-, medium-, and low-dose STC-NPs groups and the HC group (1151 × 10 9 /L, 1142 × 10 9 /L, 1121 × 10 9 /L, and 1136 × 10 9 /L, respectively) significantly (p < 0.05) increased PLT in rats (Figure 7e). Nanoparticles have many unique properties such as high aqueous solubility, photoluminescence, straightforward functionalisation, and biocompatibility [24,25]. A range of applications has been developed for emerging nanomaterials including drug delivery [26], biological imaging [27], and optical catalysts [28].…”

“…A range of applications has been developed for emerging nanomaterials including drug delivery [26], biological imaging [27], and optical catalysts [28]. NPs have been reported in other TCMs carbonised at high temperature including Pollen Typhae Carbonisata, Cirsium Setosum Carbonisata, Schizonepetae Herba Nanoparticles have many unique properties such as high aqueous solubility, photoluminescence, straightforward functionalisation, and biocompatibility [24,25]. A range of applications has been developed for emerging nanomaterials including drug delivery [26], biological imaging [27], and optical catalysts [28].…”

Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Antibody Conjugation, and HER2-Receptor Targeting for Breast Cancer Therapy

“…It is also affected by external factors such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Cunha et al used this method to adsorb negatively charged QDs with lectin to label Candida albicans [83][84][85][86].…”

“…It is also affected by external factors such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Cunha et al used this method to adsorb negatively charged QDs with lectin to label Candida albicans [83][84][85][86]. In the case of hydrophobic QDs, the interaction occurs between amino acids and non-polar molecules, while in the case of hydrophilic QDs, the association occurs by electrostatic interactions adapted from ref [86].…”

“…By motifs, the divalent transition of metals present on the QD surface can be realized to the metal affinity. Unlike covalent interactions, this technique usually results in protein-QD dispersity with In the case of hydrophobic QDs, the interaction occurs between amino acids and non-polar molecules, while in the case of hydrophilic QDs, the association occurs by electrostatic interactions adapted from ref [86].…”