Quantum dot-based theranostics
Abstract
Luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals, also known as quantum dots (QDs), have advanced
the fields of molecular diagnostics and nanotherapeutics. Much of the initial progress
for QDs in biology and medicine has focused on developing new biosensing formats to
push the limit of detection sensitivity. Nevertheless. QDs can be more than passive
bio-probes or labels for biological imaging and cellular studies. The high surface-to-volume
ratio of QDs enables the construction of a "smart" multifunctional nanoplatform, where
the QDs serve not only as an imaging agent but also a nanoscaffold catering for therapeutic
and diagnostic (theranostic) modalities. This mini review highlights the emerging
applications of functionalized QDs as fluorescence contrast agents for imaging or
as nanoscale vehicles for delivery of therapeutics, with special attention paid to
the promise and challenges towards QD-based theranostics.
Type
Journal articlePermalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10161/6973Collections
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Show full item recordScholars@Duke
Kam Leong
Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor Leong's research interest focuses on biomaterials design, particularly on
synthesis of nanoparticles for DNA-based therapeutics, and nanostructured biomaterials
for regenerative medicine
Biomaterials Design:
design of self-assembled fibers for tissue engineering
microfluidics-mediated synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles for drug and gene
delivery
synthesis of novel quantum dots for biomedical applications
Con
This author no longer has a Scholars@Duke profile, so the information shown here reflects
their Duke status at the time this item was deposited.
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