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Review
. 2022 Sep 15;23(18):10763.
doi: 10.3390/ijms231810763.

Quantum Dots and Their Interaction with Biological Systems

Nhi Le  1 , Min Zhang  2 , Kyoungtae Kim  1
Affiliations
Review

Quantum Dots and Their Interaction with Biological Systems

Nhi Le et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Quantum dots are nanocrystals with bright and tunable fluorescence. Due to their unique property, quantum dots are sought after for their potential in several applications in biomedical sciences as well as industrial use. However, concerns regarding QDs' toxicity toward the environment and other biological systems have been rising rapidly in the past decade. In this mini-review, we summarize the most up-to-date details regarding quantum dots' impacts, as well as QDs' interaction with mammalian organisms, fungal organisms, and plants at the cellular, tissue, and organismal level. We also provide details about QDs' cellular uptake and trafficking, and QDs' general interactions with biological structures. In this mini-review, we aim to provide a better understanding of our current standing in the research of quantum dots, point out some knowledge gaps in the field, and provide hints for potential future research.

Keywords: fungal; interaction; mammalian; plants; proteins; quantum dots.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Characteristics of the three major quantum dots core types.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Future research trends for QD-related topics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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