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Quantum Dots for Cancer Molecular Imaging

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Bio-Applications of Nanoparticles

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 620))

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs), tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale, are emerging as a new class of fluorescent probes for biomolecular and cellular imaging. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, quantum dots have unique optical and electronic properties such as size-tunable light emission, improved signal brightness, resistance against photobleaching, and simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors.1 These properties are most promising for improving the sensitivity of molecular imaging and quantitative cellular analysis by 1–2 orders of magnitude. Recent advances have led to multifunctional nanoparticle probes that are highly bright and stable under complex in-vivo conditions. A new structural design involves encapsulating luminescent QDs with amphiphilic block copolymers, and linking the polymer coating to tumor-targeting ligands and drug-delivery functionalities. Polymer-encapsulated QDs are essentially nontoxic to cells and small animals, but their long-term in-vivo toxicity and degradation need more careful studies. Nonetheless, bioconjugated QDs have raised new possibilities for ultrasensitive and multiplexed imaging of molecular targets in living cells and animal models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, William H Foege Building N530M, Campus Box 355061, Seattle, WA, 98195-5061, USA

    Xiaohu Gao & Shivang R. Dave

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  1. Xiaohu Gao
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  2. Shivang R. Dave
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, The Terrence Donnelly, Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Materials Science and Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Warren C. W. Chan Ph.D.

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Gao, X., Dave, S.R. (2007). Quantum Dots for Cancer Molecular Imaging. In: Chan, W.C.W. (eds) Bio-Applications of Nanoparticles. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 620. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76713-0_5

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