INDIANAPOLIS, April 3 (UPI) -- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis scientists say they've developed a procedure for the synthesis of quantum dots.
Quantum dots are highly fluorescent, nanoscale-sized solid particles that are finding increasing applications as imaging probes in the burgeoning field of nanomedicine.
Due to their sheer brightness and high photostability, quantum dots have the ability to act as molecular "beacons." When attached to compounds or proteins of interest, quantum dots allow researchers to track movements within biological media or whole organisms, significantly impacting the way medical professionals study, diagnose and treat diseases.
The IUPUI researchers say they believe their work will make quantum dot technology more accessible since quantum dot materials are costly and inconvenient for biomedical laboratories, as synthesis requires high-temperature techniques. The new synthesis developed at IUPUI makes use of room temperature sonochemistry to generate quantum dots that span the full range of colors in the visible spectrum.
"This new, low temperature procedure may also facilitate the large-scale synthesis of quantum dots and allow inclusion of temperature sensitive materials in the synthesis procedure itself," they said.
The research appears online on the Chemistry of Materials Website.
