Sensors 2011, 11(12), 11036-11055; doi:10.3390/s111211036
Review

Overview of Stabilizing Ligands for Biocompatible Quantum Dot Nanocrystals

Yanjie Zhangemail and Aaron Clapp* email
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 12 October 2011; in revised form: 21 November 2011 / Accepted: 22 November 2011 / Published: 28 November 2011
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing with Quantum Dots)
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Abstract: Luminescent colloidal quantum dots (QDs) possess numerous advantages as fluorophores in biological applications. However, a principal challenge is how to retain the desirable optical properties of quantum dots in aqueous media while maintaining biocompatibility. Because QD photophysical properties are directly related to surface states, it is critical to control the surface chemistry that renders QDs biocompatible while maintaining electronic passivation. For more than a decade, investigators have used diverse strategies for altering the QD surface. This review summarizes the most successful approaches for preparing biocompatible QDs using various chemical ligands.
Keywords: quantum dots; ligand; biocompatible

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

Zhang, Y.; Clapp, A. Overview of Stabilizing Ligands for Biocompatible Quantum Dot Nanocrystals. Sensors 2011, 11, 11036-11055.

AMA Style

Zhang Y, Clapp A. Overview of Stabilizing Ligands for Biocompatible Quantum Dot Nanocrystals. Sensors. 2011; 11(12):11036-11055.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhang, Yanjie; Clapp, Aaron. 2011. "Overview of Stabilizing Ligands for Biocompatible Quantum Dot Nanocrystals." Sensors 11, no. 12: 11036-11055.

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