Quantum Dot‐based Energy Transfer: Perspectives and Potential for Applications in Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Quantum dots have emerged as an important class of material that offers great promise to a diverse range of applications ranging from energy conversion to biomedicine. Here, we review the potential of using quantum dots and quantum dot conjugates as sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The photophysics of singlet oxygen generation in relation to quantum dot-based energy transfer is discussed and the possibility of using quantum dots as photosensitizer in PDT is assessed, including their current limitations to applications in biological systems. The biggest advantage of quantum dots over molecular photosensitizers that comes into perspective is their tunable optical properties and surface chemistries. Recent developments in the preparation and photophysical characterization of quantum dot energy transfer processes are also presented in this review, to provide insights on the future direction of quantum dot-based photosensitization studies from the viewpoint of our ongoing research.

Ab initio study of exciton transfer dynamics from a core–shell semiconductor quantum dot to a porphyrin-sensitizer

“…Compared to simple dyes, the application of the QD/porphyrin assembly studied in the present work carries great advantages for PDT. The absorption spectra of porphyrins and phthalocyanines used in PDT show intense bands at the boundary between ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, known as Soret bands, and in the region between visible and near infrared light, known as Q-bands [91]. The extinction coefficients of the two types of bands have the same magnitude as those of QDs, on the order of 10 5 M −1 cm −1 .…”

“…The QD/dye assemblies are much more efficient harvesters of light over a broad spectral region than individual dyes at the same concentration and excitation conditions. In order to reach an equivalent level of absorbance efficiency the concentration of individual dyes should be 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than the concentration of QD/dye complexes [91].…”

CuO NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND THEIR BACTERICIDAL EFFICACY

“…The size of nanoparticles is similar to that of most biological molecules and structures. This makes them an interesting candidate for application in both in vivo and invitro biomedical research [2]. Metal nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity, when coated on to surfaces, can find enormous applications in synthetic textiles, biomedical and surgical devices,water treatment, food processing and packaging [3].…”

Quantum Dots in Biomedical Research

“…The broad excitation spectra and large Stokes shift of QDs allow them to be excited by nearly all the bioluminescent proteins in BRET assemblies. Feasibility of QDs as the BRET acceptor for a mutant of Renilla luciferase (Luc8 with improved chemical stability and light efficiency) has been recently realized both in vitro and in vivo (Samia et al, 2006).…”