Semiconductor-biomolecule quantum dots

Semiconductor nanoparticles are powerful fluorescent probes, which can be used for labelling biomolecules. Quantum dots have several advantages over... 

Dendrimers can be used to effectively coat and passivate fluorescent quantum dots to make biocompatible surfaces for coupling proteins or other biomolecules. In addition, the ability of dendrimers to contain guest molecules within their three-dimensional structure also has led to the creation of dendrimer-metal nanoclusters having fluorescent properties. In both applications, dendrimers are used to envelop metal or semiconductor nanoparticles that possess fluorescent properties useful for biological detection. 

Figure 6.2 Modification of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with functional encapsulating layersforwatersolubilization and preservation of luminescence properties and/or secondary covalent modification of the surface with biomolecules. Path A Exchange of the organic encapsulating layer with a water-soluble layer (a-d) thiolated or dithiolated functional...

Semiconductor nanopartides are of particular importance due to their optical properties. They act as quantum dots and can be applied as components in optically active materials, as optically active labels for biomolecules and cells and as components in miniaturized optoelectronic devices [16]. Compound semiconductor nanopartides can be prepared by liquid-phase processes. Several groups have investigated the preparation of CdSe partides. The fluorescence emission of these particles is strongly dependent on the particle size. The realization of well[Pg.783]

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