Biological Applications and Toxicity Minimization of Semiconductor Quantum Dots

Abstract

The extraordinary potential of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has resulted in their widespread application in various fields, from engineering technology and the development of laboratory techniques to biomedical imaging and therapeutic strategies. However, the toxicity of QDs remains a concern and has limited their applications in human health. Better understanding of the behavior of QDs as it relates to their composition will enable the exploration of their limitations and development of a strategy to control their toxicity for potential therapeutic applications. Here, we describe approaches to minimize their toxicities according to the specific cell type, organ, or animal species, summarizing recent promising research at the cellular, organ, and whole-organism level.

Keywords: animal species; differentiated cells; organs; quantum dots; stem cells.