New Generation Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots for Biophotonics and Nanomedicine

• Published in: Chemical reviews Vol. 116; no. 19; pp. 12234 - 12327
• Main Authors: Xu, Gaixia, Zeng, Shuwen, Zhang, Butian, Swihart, Mark T, Yong, Ken-Tye, Prasad, Paras N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 12.10.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Atoms & subatomic particles; Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - pharmacokinetics; Biocompatible Materials - toxicity; biophotonics; Cadmium; color; diagnostic techniques; drugs; gene transfer; Graphite - chemistry; image analysis; Medical equipment; Metalloids - chemistry; Metals, Heavy - chemistry; Nanomedicine; Nanotechnology; Optical properties; Optics and Photonics; Particle Size; Pharmacokinetics; photoluminescence; Quantum dots; Quantum Dots - chemistry; Quantum Dots - toxicity; surgery; toxicity
• ISSN: 0009-2665; 1520-6890; 1520-6890
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00290

This review summarizes recent progress in the design and applications of cadmium-free quantum dots (Cd-free QDs), with an emphasis on their role in biophotonics and nanomedicine. We first present the features of Cd-free QDs and describe the physics and emergent optical properties of various types of Cd-free QDs whose applications are discussed in subsequent sections. Selected specific QD systems are introduced, followed by the preparation of these Cd-free QDs in a form useful for biological applications, including recent advances in achieving high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and tunability of emission color. Next, we summarize biophotonic applications of Cd-free QDs in optical imaging, photoacoustic imaging, sensing, optical tracking, and photothermal therapy. Research advances in the use of Cd-free QDs for nanomedicine applications are discussed, including drug/gene delivery, protein/peptide delivery, image-guided surgery, diagnostics, and medical devices. The review then considers the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of Cd-free QDs and summarizes current studies on the in vitro and in vivo toxicity of Cd-free QDs. Finally, we provide perspectives on the overall current status, challenges, and future directions in this field.