Hybrid organic/II-VI quantum dots: highly luminescent nanostructures for bioimaging

Hybrid nanomaterials consisted of II-VI semiconductor quantum dots covered by layers of functionalizing organic compounds, may be prepared to develop good biolabeling and consequent bioimaging applications. In this study we present some well succeeded results related to the preparation, functionalization, and to the use of II-VI semiconductor quantum dots, prepared via colloidal synthesis in aqueous medium, as highly luminescent labels for bioimaging. The resulting systems possess the combined properties of both forming elements: the optical properties of the quantum dots and the biological functionalities provided by the organic capping layers, which leads to specific association to biological systems. These nanostructured materials nanoparticles presented good optical properties and excellent resistance to photodegradation. Their conjugation to biological samples was evaluated by their fluorescence intensities and patterns, by using conventional fluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopies. The resulting images showed very good quality concerning morphological features of the analyzed cells and tissues.