Issue 29, 2021

Quantum dots in cell imaging and their safety issues

Abstract

When quantum dots are used as fluorescent probes or drug tracers for in vivo imaging, the quantum dots in the blood will come into direct contact with vascular endothelial cells. Thus, it is necessary to study whether quantum dots can affect endothelial function after being injected into blood vessels as imaging agents. In recent years, there have been numerous studies on the toxicity of quantum dots. Herein, we focused on five types of quantum dots (Cd-containing quantum dots, CuInS2 quantum dots, black phosphorus quantum dots, MXene quantum dots, and carbon-based quantum dots) for cell imaging and their toxicity in vivo and in vitro. Although current research on the toxicity of quantum dots has not reached a consistent conclusion, it can guide the next step in evaluating their cytotoxicity.

Graphical abstract: Quantum dots in cell imaging and their safety issues

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
02 Apr 2021
Accepted
16 Jun 2021
First published
17 Jun 2021

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021,9, 5765-5779

Quantum dots in cell imaging and their safety issues

Q. Xu, J. Gao, S. Wang, Y. Wang, D. Liu and J. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2021, 9, 5765 DOI: 10.1039/D1TB00729G

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