Quantum Dots For Multimodal Bioimaging And Sensing Applications

Fluorescent quantum dots (Qdots) have demonstrated their potential in diagnostic bioimaging applications in vitro. For in vivo bioimaging applications, however, the embodiment of additional properties such as paramagnetism onto the same fluorescent probes is highly desirable. These multimodal probes would benefit in vivo disease diagnosis and surgical guidance based on their ability to be detected in multiple modes (i.e. optically and magnetically). A single-step multimodal Qdot synthesis and surface modification technique that can be used for making various engineered multimodal nanoparticles including Qdots is described here. The development of paramagnetic GdIII-functionalized fluorescent Qdots and their applications in labeling various biological entities such as cells and tissues will be demonstrated