Issue 8, 2010

Near-infrared quantum dots: synthesis, functionalization and analytical applications

Abstract

As light-emitting nanocrystals, quantum dots (QDs) have been a major focus of research and development during the past decade. The impetus behind such endeavors can be attributed to their unique chemical and optical properties, with size-tunable light emission, high photostability, and multiple fluorescence colors. In recent years, near-infrared (NIR) quantum dots have emerged as a promising tool in analytical applications, especially for in vivo imaging and therapy. NIR QDs allow photon penetration through tissue and minimize the effects of tissue autofluorescence. This is important for detecting or identifying species in complex biological samples. This review focuses on the development and analytical applications of NIR QDs. Different types of NIR QDs have been synthesized and characterized from various designed strategies. In the functional process, QDs can be modified as sensitive probes with high affinity and specificity, such as being linked with proteins, peptides or other small molecules. Recent advances of NIR QDs applications are presented, including in vivo imaging, fluorescence enhancement/quenching, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. We also discuss the limitation of NIR QDs in applications. The advantages and challenges in developing NIR QDs are summarized in this review from the viewpoint of analytical chemistry.

Graphical abstract: Near-infrared quantum dots: synthesis, functionalization and analytical applications

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
14 Apr 2010
Accepted
12 May 2010
First published
19 Jun 2010

Analyst, 2010,135, 1867-1877

Near-infrared quantum dots: synthesis, functionalization and analytical applications

Q. Ma and X. Su, Analyst, 2010, 135, 1867 DOI: 10.1039/C0AN00233J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements