Analysis and Evaluation Department, Nanotechnology Research Center, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), Nasr City, Cairo PO 11727, Egypt.
Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea.
Molecules. 2020 Sep 30;25(19):4486. doi: 10.3390/molecules25194486.
Quantum dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanocrystals with superb photo-physical properties. Applications of QDs have been exponentially increased during the past decade. They can be employed in several disciplines, including biological, optical, biomedical, engineering, and energy applications. This review highlights the structural composition and distinctive features of QDs, such as resistance to photo-bleaching, wide range of excitations, and size-dependent light emission features. Physical and chemical preparation of QDs have prominent downsides, including high costs, regeneration of hazardous byproducts, and use of external noxious chemicals for capping and stabilization purposes. To eliminate the demerits of these methods, an emphasis on the latest progress of microbial synthesis of QDs by bacteria, yeast, and fungi is introduced. Some of the biomedical applications of QDs are overviewed as well, such as tumor and microRNA detection, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, and microbial labeling. Challenges facing the microbial fabrication of QDs are discussed with the future prospects to fully maximize the yield of QDs by elucidating the key enzymes intermediating the nucleation and growth of QDs. Exploration of the distribution and mode of action of QDs is required to promote their biomedical applications.
量子点（Quantum dots，QDs）是具有卓越光物理性质的荧光纳米晶体。在过去十年中，量子点的应用呈指数级增长。它们可应用于多个领域，包括生物、光学、生物医学、工程和能源应用。本综述重点介绍了量子点的结构组成和独特特征，如抗光漂白性、宽激发范围和尺寸依赖性发光特性。量子点的物理和化学制备方法存在明显的缺点，包括成本高、产生危险副产物、以及为了封端和稳定目的而使用外部有毒化学品。为了消除这些方法的缺点，重点介绍了细菌、酵母和真菌微生物合成量子点的最新进展。还概述了量子点的一些生物医学应用，如肿瘤和 microRNA 检测、药物输送、光动力疗法和微生物标记。讨论了微生物制备量子点所面临的挑战，并对未来的前景进行了展望，以通过阐明参与量子点成核和生长的关键酶来最大限度地提高量子点的产量。需要探索量子点的分布和作用方式，以促进其生物医学应用。
