ABSTRACT

Abstract ................................................................................................. 272 9.1 Introduction .................................................................................. 272 9.2 Synthesis Methods for Semiconductor QDs ................................ 274 9.3 Synthesis Methods for C-Dots ..................................................... 276 9.4 Properties ..................................................................................... 277 9.5 Characterization ........................................................................... 279 9.6 Toxicity ........................................................................................ 280 9.7 Mode of Action of QDs ............................................................... 281 9.8 Conclusion ................................................................................... 285 Keywords .............................................................................................. 285 References ............................................................................................. 285

KOMAL SHARMA, ARUSHI VERMA, AYUSHI GUPTA, and NIDHI MISHRA*

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Devghat, Jhalwa, Allahabad 211012, India

*Corresponding author. E-mail: nidhimishra@iiita.ac.in

ABSTRACT

Due to their unique optical and surface properties, quantum dots (QDs) are explored for their potentials in biomedical applications. They have excellent photostability, high luminous intensity of fluorescence, which makes them desirable, and economic labels when compared to traditional organic dyes used in bioimaging and fluorescent bioassays. Conventional medicinal therapy suffers heavily due to nonspecificity in delivering drug molecule; this puts patients to discomfort due to acute drug side effects. The aftermath of chemotherapy in cancer treatment is one such example. Results of cadmium derived QD studies in biomedical applications have shown great potentials of cadmium quantum dots in cancer treatment and diagnosis. However, thorough investigation data of their in-vivo toxicity and pharmacokinetic activity must be procured and analyzed for their successful application in drug delivery. This chapter discusses properties, synthesis methods, and potential toxicity of QDs along with their applications in biomedical field in light of their promising potential as drug delivery carriers.