ABSTRACT
Quantum dots (QDs) are inorganic uorophores that possess unique optical properties such as broad excitation spectra, narrow emission spectra, high photostability, high quantum yields, and long uorescence lifetimes. ese properties make them more attractive than current uorophores for biomedical applications. e emission wavelengths of QDs can be controlled by varying their sizes and compositions allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple targets. In addition, their nano-size gives them distinctive properties that di er from bulk materials such as a large surface area-to-volume ratio, chemically tailorable surfaces, and increased solubility enabling their use for in vivo imaging, in vitro diagnostics, drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
