量子点在细胞以及体内生物中成像的研究进展

Development of Quantum Dots for Cellular and in Vivo Animals Imaging

量子点是一种荧光半导体纳米材料,与生物分子结合成一种高亮度而稳定的荧光探针应用于生物成像。通过生物成像可观察量子点标记分子与其靶标的相互作用,实时观测其在活细胞及活体中的运行轨迹,实现对细胞水平及在活体层次的研究。利用这种生物成像技术还可以研究疾病的发生发展过程。介绍了量子点的光学特性,重点综述了量子点在细胞、体内生物成像中的应用,并展望了其发展前景。

Luminescent quantum dots （QDs）-semiconduetor nanocrystals are a promising alternative to organic dyes for fluorescence-based applications. They have unique optical and electronic properties, with size-tunable light emission, superior signal brightness, resistance to photobleaching, and broad absorption spectra for simultaneous ex- citation of multiple fluorescence colors. Also QDs provide a versatile nanoscale scaffold for designing multifunctional nanoparticles with both imaging and therapeutic function. When linked with targeting ligands such as antibodies, pe- ptides or small molecules, QDs can be used to target cells biomarkers as well as tumor vasculatures with high affinity and specificity. Researchers have developed procedures for using QDs cellular and in vivo animals imaging so far, demonstrated their use for long-term multieolor imaging of live cells and in vivo. The photo-characters are introduced and the implications of quantum dots in biological imaging are illustrated, and the future of quantum dots is look ahead.