Quantum Dots The Next Generation Candidate for Biomedical Imaging

Unlike conventional fluorescent probes, quantum dots are light-emitting nanoparticles with unique optical and electronic properties like size-tunable light emission and the ability to emit multiple fluorescence colors. Quantum dots are a novel class of fluorescent labels for biomedical imaging since they are significantly brighter and more damage-resistant than organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. However, a few limitations prevent their widespread use, such as aqueous solubility, which is typical for all quantum dots used in biological research, and in vivo toxicity. This chapter explains the fundamental characteristics of quantum dots, their synthesis methods, biomedical imaging applications, and techniques used to overcome application barriers.