Quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical properties as a result of their small size. In fact, the color in which QDs absorb and fluoresce is determined by their size. This property combined with their one step synthesis make QDs an ideal dye for flow cytometry and cell and tissue imaging. QDs are generally not utilized for biological applications because they are often made from toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead, and are found in organic solvents not water. Here, biocompatible cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs were synthesized with click chemistry precursors in order to ultimately attach the QDs to cell antibodies for in vivo imaging and flow cytometry. Biocompatible CdSe QDs are achieved with the addition of a non-toxic zinc sulfide (ZnS) shell and were suspended in water by ligand exchange with 3-mercaptopropionic acid. The transfer into water weakened the emission, but the addition of zinc acetate to passivate the ZnS shell enhanced the emission by 30%. Overall, our research group created materials optimal for biological imaging by coating in a nontoxic shell, suspending in water, and optimizing for a maximum emission intensity.

Biocompatible cadmium selenide quantum dot nanocrystals for <i>in vivo</i> imaging

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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Biocompatible cadmium selenide quantum dot nanocrystals for in vivo imaging