New Generation Cadmium-Free Quantum Dots for Biophotonics and Nanomedicine

Recent progress in stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles for targeted delivery of functional nanoparticles

Stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles have emerged as a revolutionary approach for enhancing the in vivo stability, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery of functional nanoparticles (FNPs) in biomedicine. This article comprehensively reviews the preparation methods of these polymer micelles, detailing the innovative strategies employed to introduce stimulus responsiveness and surface modifications essential for precise targeting. We delve into the breakthroughs in utilizing these micelles to selectively deliver various FNPs including magnetic nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots, highlighting their transformative impact in the biomedical realm. Concluding, we present an insight into the current research landscape, addressing the challenges at hand, and envisioning the future trajectory in this burgeoning domain. Join us as we navigate the exciting confluence of polymer science and nanotechnology in reshaping biomedical solutions.

Interlaboratory Comparison on Absolute Photoluminescence Quantum Yield Measurements of Solid Light Converting Phosphors with Three Commercial Integrating Sphere Setups

Scattering luminescent materials dispersed in liquid and solid matrices and luminescent powders are increasingly relevant for fundamental research and industry. Examples are luminescent nano- and microparticles and phosphors of different compositions in various matrices or incorporated into ceramics with applications in energy conversion, solid-state lighting, medical diagnostics, and security barcoding. The key parameter to characterize the performance of these materials is the photoluminescence/fluorescence quantum yield (Φf), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. To identify and quantify the sources of uncertainty of absolute measurements of Φf of scattering samples, the first interlaboratory comparison (ILC) of three laboratories from academia and industry was performed by following identical measurement protocols. Thereby, two types of commercial stand-alone integrating sphere setups with different illumination and detection geometries were utilized for measuring the Φf of transparent and scattering dye solutions and solid phosphors, namely, YAG:Ce optoceramics of varying surface roughness, used as converter materials for blue light emitting diodes. Special emphasis was dedicated to the influence of the measurement geometry, the optical properties of the blank utilized to determine the number of photons of the incident excitation light absorbed by the sample, and the sample-specific surface roughness. While the Φf values of the liquid samples matched between instruments, Φf measurements of the optoceramics with different blanks revealed substantial differences. The ILC results underline the importance of the measurement geometry, sample position, and blank for reliable Φf data of scattering the YAG:Ce optoceramics, with the blank's optical properties accounting for uncertainties exceeding 20%.

Recent Advances in Lateral Flow Assays for Viral Protein Detection with Nanomaterial-Based Optical Sensors

Controlling the progression of contagious diseases is crucial for public health management, emphasizing the importance of early viral infection diagnosis. In response, lateral flow assays (LFAs) have been successfully utilized in point-of-care (POC) testing, emerging as a viable alternative to more traditional diagnostic methods. Recent advancements in virus detection have primarily leveraged methods such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Despite their proven effectiveness, these conventional techniques are often expensive, require specialized expertise, and consume a significant amount of time. In contrast, LFAs utilize nanomaterial-based optical sensing technologies, including colorimetric, fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), offering quick, straightforward analyses with minimal training and infrastructure requirements for detecting viral proteins in biological samples. This review describes the composition and mechanism of and recent advancements in LFAs for viral protein detection, categorizing them into colorimetric, fluorescent, and SERS-based techniques. Despite significant progress, developing a simple, stable, highly sensitive, and selective LFA system remains a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, an advanced LFA system promises not only to enhance clinical diagnostics but also to extend its utility to environmental monitoring and beyond, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize both healthcare and environmental safety.

Highly Sensitive, Stable InP Quantum Dot Fluorescent Probes for Quantitative Immunoassay Through Nanostructure Tailoring and Biotin-Streptavidin Coupling

Nontoxic, highly sensitive InP quantum dot (QD) fluorescent immunoassay probes are promising biomedical detection modalities due to their unique properties. However, InP-based QDs are prone to surface oxidation, and the stability of InP QD-based probes in biocompatible environments remains a crucial challenge. Although the thick shell can provide some protection during the phase transfer process of hydrophobic QDs, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) is generally decreased because of the contradiction between lattice stress relaxation and thick shell growth. Herein, we developed thick-shell InP-based core/shell QDs by inserting a ZnSeS alloy layer. The ternary ZnSeS intermediate shell could effectively facilitate lattice stress relaxation and passivate the defect states. The synthesized InP/ZnSe/ZnSeS/ZnS core/alloy shell/shell QDs (CAS-InP QDs) with nanostructure tailoring revealed a larger size, high PLQY (90%), and high optical stability. After amphiphilic polymer encapsulation, the aqueous CAS-InP QDs presented almost constant fluorescence attenuation and stable PL intensity under different temperatures, UV radiation, and pH solutions. The CAS-InP QDs were excellent labels of the fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) for detecting C-reactive protein (CRP). The biotin-streptavidin (Bio-SA) system was first introduced in the FLISA to further improve the sensitivity, and the CAS-InP QDs-based SA-Bio sandwich FLISA realized the detection of CRP with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.83 ng/mL. It is believed that the stable and sensitive InP QD fluorescent probes will drive the rapid development of future eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sensitive in vitro diagnostic kits.

Spectrally narrow band-edge photoluminescence from AgInS2-based core/shell quantum dots for electroluminescence applications

This study presents a facile synthesis of cadmium-free ternary and quaternary quantum dots (QDs) and their application to light-emitting diode (LED) devices. AgInS2 ternary QDs, developed as a substitute for cadmium chalcogenide QDs, exhibited spectrally broad photoluminescence due to intrinsic defect levels. Our group has successfully achieved narrow band-edge PL by a coating with gallium sulfide shell. Subsequently, an intrinsic difficulty in the synthesis of multinary compound QDs, which often results in unnecessary byproducts, was surmounted by a new approach involving the nucleation of silver sulfide followed by material conversion to the intended composition (silver indium gallium sulfide). By fine-tuning this reaction and bringing the starting material closer to stoichiometric compositional ratios, atom economy was further improved. These QDs have been tested in LED applications, but the standard device encountered a significant defective emission that would have been eliminated by the gallium sulfide shells. This problem is addressed by introducing gallium oxide as a new electron transport layer.

Asymmetric disturbance and permeabilization of bilayer membranes by 3-nm carbon dots

Small-sized fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are gaining increasing attention in the field of biomedical applications. The environmental and biological compatibility of positively charged CDs has been extensively investigated; however, the potential cytotoxicity caused by negatively and particularly neutrally charged small CDs has been significantly overlooked. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the cellular membrane disruption effect of weakly negatively charged 3-nm CDs using a combination of various biophysical techniques. Our findings demonstrate that even at a low concentration of 0.5 μg mL-1, these CDs induce significant perturbations on the cellular membrane, resulting in increased membrane permeability due to asymmetric disruption of the bilayer structure. Furthermore, CDs exhibit distinct mechanisms at different concentrations, including prompt insertion into the bilayer at low concentrations (<20 μg mL-1) and a synergistic effect after a threshold time at high concentrations (e.g., 25-200 μg mL-1). Moreover, these CDs possess specific antibacterial properties against Acinetobacter baumannii (with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 μg mL-1) while showing minimal hemolytic or cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells. This study provides comprehensive insights into the biophysical aspects of cellular membrane toxicity caused by small weakly negatively charged CDs and contributes to assessing their potential biomedical applications.

Seed-mediated growth synthesis and tunable narrow-band luminescence of quaternary Ag-In-Ga-S alloyed nanocrystals

Silver-based I-III-VI-type semiconductor nanocrystals have received extensive attention due to their narrow-band luminescence properties. Herein, we demonstrated a seed-mediated growth of quaternary Ag-In-Ga-S (AIGS) nanocrystals (NCs) with narrow-band luminescence. By conducting partial cation exchange with In3+ and Ga3+ based on Ag2S NCs and controlling the Ag/In feeding ratios (0.25 to 2) of Ag-In-S seeds as well as the inventory of 1-dodecanethiol, we achieved optimized luminescence performance in the synthesized AIGS NCs, characterized by a narrow full width at half maximum of less than 40 nm. Meanwhile, narrow-band luminescent AIGS NCs exhibit a tetragonal AgGaS2 crystal structure and a gradient alloy structure, rather than a core-shell structure. Most importantly, the kinetics decay curves of time-resolved photoluminescence and the ground state bleaching in transient absorption generally agree with each other regarding the lifetime of the second decay component, which indicates that the narrow-band luminescence is due to the slow radiative recombination between trapped electrons and trapped holes located at the edge of the conduction band and the deep silver-related trap states (e.g., silver vacancy), respectively. This study provides new insights into the correlation between the narrow-band luminescence properties and the structural characteristics of AIGS NCs.

Confronting antibiotic-resistant pathogens: Distinctive drug delivery potentials of progressive nanoparticles

Antimicrobial resistance arises over time, usually due to genetic modifications. Global observations of high resistance rates to popular antibiotics used to treat common bacterial diseases, such as diarrhea, STIs, sepsis, and urinary tract infections, indicate that our supply of effective antibiotics is running low. The mechanisms of action of several antibiotic groups are covered in this review. Antimicrobials disrupt the development and metabolism of bacteria, leading to their eventual death. However, in recent years, microorganisms become resistant to the drugs. Bacteria encode resistant genes against antibiotics and inhibit the function of antibiotics by reducing the uptake of drugs, modifying the enzyme's active site, synthesizing enzymes to degrade antibiotics, and changing the structure of ribosomal subunits. Additionally, the methods of action of resistant bacteria against different kinds of antibiotics as well as their modes of action are discussed. Besides, the resistant pathogenic bacteria which get the most priority by World Health Organisation (WHO) for synthesizing new drugs, have also been incorporated. To overcome antimicrobial resistance, nanomaterials are used to increase the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs. Metallic, inorganic, and polymer-based nanoparticles once conjugated with antibacterial drugs, exhibit synergistic effects by increasing the efficacy of the drugs by inhibiting bacterial growth. Nanomaterial's toxic properties are proportional to their concentrations. Higher concentration nanomaterials are more toxic to the cells. In this review, the toxic properties of nanomaterials on lung cells, lymph nodes, and neuronal cells are also summarized.

Exploring Highly Efficient Broadband Self-Trapped-Exciton Luminophors: from 0D to 3D Materials

The review summarizes our recent reports on brightly-emitting materials with varied dimensionality (3D, 2D, 0D) synthesized using "green" chemistry and exhibiting highly efficient photoluminescence (PL) originating from self-trapped exciton (STE) states. The discussion starts with 0D emitters, in particular, ternary indium-based colloidal quantum dots, continues with 2D materials, focusing on single-layer polyheptazine carbon nitride, and further evolves to 3D luminophores, the latter exemplified by lead-free double halide perovskites. The review shows the broadband STE PL to be an inherent feature of many materials produced in mild conditions by "green" chemistry, outlining PL features general for these STE emitters and differences in their photophysical properties. The review is concluded with an outlook on the challenges in the field of STE PL emission and the most promising venues for future research.

Acid selenites as new selenium precursor for CdSe quantum dot synthesis

Chemical precursors for nanomaterials synthesis have become essential to tune particle size, composition, morphology, and unique properties. New inexpensive precursors investigation that precisely controls these characteristics is highly relevant. We studied new Se precursors, the acid selenites (R-O-SeOOH), to synthesize CdSe quantum dots (QDs). They were produced at room temperature by the Image 1 reaction with alcohols having different alkyl chains and were characterized by 1H NMR confirming their structures. This unprecedented precursor generates high-quality CdSe nanocrystals with narrow size distribution in the zinc-blend structure showing controlled optical properties. Advanced characterization detailed the CdSe structure showing stacking fault defects and its dependence on the used R-O-SeOOH. The QDs formation was examined using a time-dependent growth kinetics model. Differences in the nanoparticle surface structure influenced the optical properties, and they were correlated to the Se-precursor nature. Small alkyl chain acid selenites generally lead to more controlled QDs morphology, while the bigger alkyl chain leads to slightly upper quantum yields. Acid selenites can potentially replace Se-precursors at competitive costs in the metallic chalcogenide nanoparticles. Image 1 is chemically stable, and alcohols are cheap and less toxic than the reactants used today, making acid selenites a more sustainable Se precursor.

Comparison of Toxicity and Cellular Uptake of CdSe/ZnS and Carbon Quantum Dots for Molecular Tracking Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Fungal Model

Plant resource sharing mediated by mycorrhizal fungi has been a subject of recent debate, largely owing to the limitations of previously used isotopic tracking methods. Although CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully used for in situ tracking of essential nutrients in plant-fungal systems, the Cd-containing QDs, due to the intrinsic toxic nature of Cd, are not a viable system for larger-scale in situ studies. We synthesized amino acid-based carbon quantum dots (CQDs; average hydrodynamic size 6 ± 3 nm, zeta potential -19 ± 12 mV) and compared their toxicity and uptake with commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs that we conjugated with the amino acid cysteine (Cys) (average hydrodynamic size 308 ± 150 nm, zeta potential -65 ± 4 mV) using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a proxy for mycorrhizal fungi. We showed that the CQDs readily entered yeast cells and were non-toxic up to 100 mg/L. While the Cys-conjugated CdSe/ZnS QDs were also not toxic to yeast cells up to 100 mg/L, they were not taken up into the cells but remained on the cell surfaces. These findings suggest that CQDs may be a suitable tool for molecular tracking in fungi (incl. mychorrhizal fungi) due to their ability to enter fungal cells.

Surface Sites and Ligation in Amine-capped CdSe Nanocrystals

Converting colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) into devices for various applications is facilitated by designing and controlling their surface properties. One key strategy for tailoring surface properties is thus to choose tailored surface ligands. In that context, amines have been universally used, with the goal to improve NCs synthesis, processing and performances. However, understanding the nature of surface sites in amine-capped NCs remains challenging, due to the complex surface compositions as well as surface ligands dynamic. Here, we investigate both surface sites and amine ligation in CdSe NCs by combining advanced NMR spectroscopy and computational modelling. Notably, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) enhanced 113 Cd and 77 Se 1D NMR helps to identify both bulk and surface sites of NCs, while 113 Cd 2D NMR spectroscopy enables to resolve amines terminated sites on both Se-rich and nonpolar surfaces. In addition to directly bonding to surface sites, amines are shown to also interact through hydrogen-bonding with absorbed water as revealed by 15 N NMR, augmented with computations. The characterization methodology developed for this work provides unique molecular-level insight into the surface sites of a range of amine-capped CdSe NCs, and paves the way to identify structure-function relationships and rational approaches towards colloidal NCs with tailored properties.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials

Polymeric drug delivery technology, which allows for medicinal ingredients to enter a cell more easily, has advanced considerably in recent decades. Innovative medication delivery strategies use biodegradable and bio-reducible polymers, and progress in the field has been accelerated by future possible research applications. Natural polymers utilized in polymeric drug delivery systems include arginine, chitosan, dextrin, polysaccharides, poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylenimine), dendritic polymers, biodegradable polymers, and bioabsorbable polymers as well as biomimetic and bio-related polymeric systems and drug-free macromolecular therapies have been employed in polymeric drug delivery. Different synthetic and natural biomaterials are in the clinical phase to mitigate different diseases. Drug delivery methods using natural and synthetic polymers are becoming increasingly common in the pharmaceutical industry, with biocompatible and bio-related copolymers and dendrimers having helped cure cancer as drug delivery systems. This review discusses all the above components and how, by combining synthetic and biological approaches, micro- and nano-drug delivery systems can result in revolutionary polymeric drug and gene delivery devices.

Surface Chemistry Dictates the Enhancement of Luminescence and Stability of InP QDs upon c-ALD ZnO Hybrid Shell Growth

Indium phosphide quantum dots (InP QDs) are a promising example of Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS)-compliant light-emitting materials. However, they suffer from low quantum yield and instability upon processing under ambient conditions. Colloidal atomic layer deposition (c-ALD) has been recently proposed as a methodology to grow hybrid materials including QDs and organic/inorganic oxide shells, which possess new functions compared to those of the as-synthesized QDs. Here, we demonstrate that ZnO shells can be grown on InP QDs obtained via two synthetic routes, which are the classical sylilphosphine-based route and the more recently developed aminophosphine-based one. We find that the ZnO shell increases the photoluminescence emission only in the case of aminophosphine-based InP QDs. We rationalize this result with the different chemistry involved in the nucleation step of the shell and the resulting surface defect passivation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ZnO shell prevents degradation of the InP QD suspension under ambient conditions by avoiding moisture-induced displacement of the ligands from their surface. Overall, this study proposes c-ALD as a methodology for the synthesis of alternative InP-based core@shell QDs and provides insight into the surface chemistry that results in both enhanced photoluminescence and stability required for application in optoelectronic devices and bioimaging.

Covalent inorganic complexes enabled zinc blende to wurtzite phase changes in CdSe nanoplatelets

Phase changes in colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are essential in material design and device applications. However, the transition pathways have yet to be sufficiently studied, and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is needed. In this work, a complete ligand-assisted phase transition from zinc blende (ZB) to wurtzite (WZ) is observed in CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs). By monitoring with in situ absorption spectra along with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), we demonstrated that the transition process is a ligand-assisted covalent inorganic complex (CIC)-mediated phase transition pathway, which involves three steps, ligand exchange on ZB CdSe NPLs (Step 1), dissolution of NPLs to form CICs (Step 2), and conversion of CdSe-CIC assemblies to WZ CdSe NPLs (Step 3). In particular, CICs can be directly anisotropically grown to WZ CdSe NPL without other intermediates, following pseudo-first-order kinetics (kobs = 9.17 × 10-5 s-1). Furthermore, we demonstrated that CICs are also present and play an essential role in the phase transition of ZnS NPLs from WZ to ZB structure. This study proposes a new crystal transformation pathway and elucidates a general phase-transition mechanism, facilitating precise functional nanomaterial design.

Bio-functionalized nanocolloids of ZnS quantum dot/amine-rich polypeptides for bioimaging cancer cells with antibacterial activity: "seeing is believing"

Among almost 200 types of cancers, glioma is considered one of the most common forms of malignant tumors located in the central nervous system (CNS). Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the deadliest types of brain cancer, remains one of the challenges faced by oncologists. Thus, smartly designed nanomaterials biofunctionalized with polypeptides can offer disruptive strategies relying on the earliest possible diagnosis ("seeing is believing") combined with more efficient therapies for fighting cancer cells. To worsen this scenario, bacteria infections very often pose a serious challenge to cancer-immunodeficient patients under chemotherapy. Thus, in this research, we report for the first time the design and synthesis of novel nanoconjugates composed of photoluminescent ZnS quantum dots (ZnS QDs), which were directly surface biofunctionalized with epsilon-poly-l-lysine (εPL), acting as an amine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and antimicrobial peptide agent (AMP). These nanoconjugates (named ZnS@CPP-AMP) were produced through a one-step facile, eco-friendly, and biocompatible colloidal aqueous process to be applied as a proof of concept as nanoprobes for bioimaging GBM cancer cells (U87-MG) associated with synergic antibacterial activity. They were characterized regarding their physicochemical and optical properties associated with the biological activity. The results demonstrated that chemically stable aqueous colloidal nanoconjugates were effectively formed, resembling core-shell (inorganic, ZnS, organic, εPL) nanostructures with positively surface-charged features due to the cationic nature of the amine-rich polypeptide. More importantly, they demonstrated photoluminescent activity, cytocompatibility in vitro, and no significant intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These ZnS@CPP-AMP nanocolloids behaved as fluorescent nanoprobes for bioimaging GBM cancer cells, where the polycationic nature of the εPL biomolecule may have enhanced the cellular uptake. Additionally, they displayed mild antibacterial growth inhibition due to electrostatic interactions with bacterial membranes. Thus, it can be envisioned that these novel photoluminescent colloidal nanoconjugates offer novel nanoplatforms that can be specifically targeted with biomolecules for bioimaging to diagnose highly lethal cancers, such as GBM, and as an adjuvant in antibacterial therapy.

Gallium Sulfide Quantum Dots with Zinc Sulfide and Alumina Shells Showing Efficient Deep Blue Emission

Solution-processed quantum dot (QD) based blue emitters are of paramount importance in the field of optoelectronics. Despite large research efforts, examples of efficient deep blue/near UV-emitting QDs remain rare due to lack of luminescent wide band gap materials and high defect densities in the existing ones. Here, we introduce a novel type of QDs based on heavy metal free gallium sulfide (Ga2 S3 ) and their core/shell heterostructures Ga2 S3 /ZnS as well as Ga2 S3 /ZnS/Al2 O3 . The photoluminescence (PL) properties of core Ga2 S3 QDs exhibit various decay pathways due to intrinsic defects, resulting in a broad overall PL spectrum. We show that the overgrowth of the Ga2 S3 core QDs with a ZnS shell results in the suppression of the intrinsic defect-mediated states leading to efficient deep-blue emission at 400 nm. Passivation of the core/shell structure with amorphous alumina yields a further enhancement of the PL quantum yield approaching 50 % and leads to an excellent optical and colloidal stability. Finally, we develop a strategy for the aqueous phase transfer of the obtained QDs retaining 80 % of the initial fluorescence intensity.

Extensive emission tuning and characterization of highly efficient CuInS2 quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes

Whole visible range emitting CuInS2/ZnS QDs were obtained with broad band-width and high luminous efficiency by altering the Cu/In ratio and coating ZnS layer. 1-Dodecanethiol (DDT) as a sulfur source in the ZnS coating process can inhibit the lattice defects caused by Zn2+ inter-diffusion, thus increasing the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY). Then the stability and lighting performance of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on these CuInS2/ZnS QDs were characterized. The optimized WLED device exhibited a moderate luminous efficacy (LE) (70.33 lm·W-1) and ultrahigh color qualities (CRI Ra = 92.7, R9 = 95.9, R13 = 96.3) with warm white at a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4052 K.

Recent progress in tannic acid based approaches as a natural polyphenolic biomaterial for cancer therapy: A review

Significant advancements have been noticed in cancer therapy for decades. Despite this, there are still many critical challenges ahead, including multidrug resistance, drug instability, and side effects. To overcome obstacles of these problems, various types of materials in biomedical research have been explored. Chief among them, the applications of natural compounds have grown rapidly due to their superb biological activities. Natural compounds, especially polyphenolic compounds, play a positive and great role in cancer therapy. Tannic acid (TA), one of the most famous polyphenols, has attracted widespread attention in the field of cancer treatment with unique structural, physicochemical, pharmaceutical, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and other strong biological features. This review concentrated on the basic structure along with the important role of TA in tuning oncological signal pathways firstly, and then focused on the use of TA in chemotherapy and preparation of delivery systems including nanoparticles and hydrogels for cancer therapy. Besides, the application of TA/Fe3+ complex coating in photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, combined therapy and theranostics is discussed.

Detection and discrimination of pathogenic bacteria with nanomaterials-based optical biosensors: A review

Pathogenic bacteria can pose a great threat to food safety and human health. It is therefore imperative to develop a rapid, portable, and sensitive determination and discrimination method for pathogenic bacteria. Over the past few years, various nanomaterials (NMs) have been employed as desirable nanoprobes because they possess extraordinary properties that can be used for optical signal enabled detection and identification of bacteria. By means of modification, NMs can, depending on different mechanisms, sense targets directly or indirectly, which then provides an essential support for the detection and differentiation of pathogenic bacteria. In this review, recent application of NMs-based optical biosensors for food safety bacterial detection and discrimination is performed, mainly in but not limited to noble metal NMs, fluorescent NMs, and point-of-care testing (POCT). This review also focuses on future trends in bacterial detection and discrimination, and machine learning in performing intelligent rapid detection and multiple accurate identification of bacteria.

Black phosphorus quantum dots induce autophagy and apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress

PURPOSE

The board application of black phosphorus quantum dots (BP-QDs) increases the risk of inhalation exposure in the manufacturing process. The aim of this study is to explore the toxic effect of BP-QDs on human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas-2B) and lung tissue of Balb/c mice.

METHODS

The BP-QDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a Malvern laser particle size analyzer. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and TEM were used to detect cytotoxicity and organelle injury. Damage to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was detected by using the ER-Tracker molecular probe. Rates of apoptosis were detected by AnnexinV/PI staining. Phagocytic acid vesicles were detected using AO staining. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

After treatment with different concentrations of BP-QDs for 24 h, the cell viability decreased, as well as activation of the ER stress and autophagy. Furthermore, the rate of apoptosis was increased. Inhibition of ER stress caused by 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) was shown to significantly inhibit both apoptosis and autophagy, suggesting that ER stress could be an upstream mediator of both autophagy and apoptosis. BP-QD-induced autophagy can also inhibit the occurrence of apoptosis using molecules related to autophagy including rapamycin (Rapa), 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and bafilomycin A1 (Bafi A1). In general, BP-QDs activate ER stress in Beas-2B cells, which further induces autophagy and apoptosis, and autophagy may be activated as a factor that protects against apoptosis. We also observed strong staining of related proteins of ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis proteins in mouse lung tissue following intracheal instillation over the course of a week.

CONCLUSION

BP-QD-induced ER stress facilitates autophagy and apoptosis in Beas-2B cells and autophagy may be activated as a protective factor against apoptosis. Under conditions of ER stress induced by BP-QDs, The interplay between autophagy and apoptosis determines cell fate.

Analysis of Silicon Quantum Dots and Serum Proteins Interactions Using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation

Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) have gained significant attention in biomedical research as versatile probes for imaging, sensing, and therapies. However, the interactions between proteins and QDs, which are crucial for their use in biological applications, are not yet fully understood. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) is a promising method for analyzing the interactions of proteins with QDs. This technique uses a combination of hydrodynamic and centrifugal forces to separate and fractionate particles based on their size and shape. By coupling AF4 with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and multi-angle light scattering, it is possible to determine the binding affinity and stoichiometry of protein-QD interactions. Herein, this approach has been utilized to determine the interaction between fetal bovine serum (FBS) and silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). Unlike metal-containing conventional QDs, SiQDs are highly biocompatible and photostable in nature, making them attractive for a wide range of biomedical applications. In this study, AF4 has provided crucial information on the size and shape of the FBS/SiQD complexes, their elution profile, and their interaction with serum components in real time. The differential scanning microcalorimetric technique has also been employed to monitor the thermodynamic behavior of proteins in the presence of SiQDs. We have investigated their binding mechanisms by incubating them at temperatures below and above the protein denaturation. This study yields various significant characteristics such as their hydrodynamic radius, size distribution, and conformational behavior. The compositions of SiQD and FBS influence the size distribution of their bioconjugates; the size increases by intensifying the concentration of FBS, with their hydrodynamic radii ranging between 150 and 300 nm. The results signify that in the alliance of SiQDs to the system, there is an augmentation of the denaturation point of the proteins and hence their thermal stability, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between FBS and QDs.

Blue-emitting InP quantum dots participate in an efficient resonance energy transfer process in water

Development of stable blue-emitting materials has always been a challenging task because of the necessity of high crystal quality and good optical properties. We have developed a highly efficient blue-emitter, based on environmentally friendly indium phosphide/zinc sulphide quantum dots (InP/ZnS QDs) in water, by controlling the growth kinetics of the core as well as the shell. A rational combination of less-reactive metal-halides, phosphorus, and sulphur precursors is the key for achieving the uniform growth of the InP core and ZnS shell. The InP/ZnS QDs showed long-term stable photoluminescence (PL) in the pure-blue region (∼462 nm), with an absolute PL quantum yield of ∼50% and a colour purity of ∼80% in water. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the cells can withstand up to ∼2 micromolar concentration of pure-blue emitting InP/ZnS QDs (∼120 μg mL^-1). Multicolour imaging studies show that the PL of InP/ZnS QDs was well-retained inside the cells as well, without interfering with the fluorescence signal of commercially available biomarkers. Moreover, the ability of InP based pure-blue emitters to participate in an efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process is demonstrated. Installing a favorable electrostatic interaction turned out to be crucial in achieving an efficient FRET process (E ∼75%) from blue-emitting InP/ZnS QDs to rhodamine B dye (Rh B) in water. The quenching dynamics fits well with the Perrin formalism and the distance-dependent quenching (DDQ) model, which confirms an electrostatically driven multi-layer assembly of Rh B acceptor molecules around the InP/ZnS QD donor. Furthermore, the process of FRET was successfully translated into the solid state, proving their suitability for device-level studies as well. In short, our study expands the spectrum of aqueous QDs based on InP towards the blue region for future biological and light harvesting studies.

Enzymatic and Bioinspired Systems for Hydrogen Production

The extraordinary potential of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable fuel has sparked the interest of the scientific community to find environmentally friendly methods for its production. Biological catalysts are the most attractive solution, as they usually operate under mild conditions and do not produce carbon-containing byproducts. Hydrogenases promote reversible proton reduction to hydrogen in a variety of anoxic bacteria and algae, displaying unparallel catalytic performances. Attempts to use these sophisticated enzymes in scalable hydrogen production have been hampered by limitations associated with their production and stability. Inspired by nature, significant efforts have been made in the development of artificial systems able to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction, via either electrochemical or light-driven catalysis. Starting from small-molecule coordination compounds, peptide- and protein-based architectures have been constructed around the catalytic center with the aim of reproducing hydrogenase function into robust, efficient, and cost-effective catalysts. In this review, we first provide an overview of the structural and functional properties of hydrogenases, along with their integration in devices for hydrogen and energy production. Then, we describe the most recent advances in the development of homogeneous hydrogen evolution catalysts envisioned to mimic hydrogenases.

Probe sonication-assisted rapid synthesis of highly fluorescent sulfur quantum dots

A new type of heavy-metal free single-element nanomaterial, called sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), has gained significant attention due to its advantages over traditional semiconductor QDs for several biomedical and optoelectronic applications. A straightforward and rapid synthesis approach for preparing highly fluorescent SQDs is needed to utilize this nanomaterial for technological applications. Until now, only a few synthesis approaches have been reported; however, these approaches are associated with long reaction times and low quantum yields (QY). Herein, we propose a novel optimized strategy to synthesize SQDs using a mix of probe sonication and heating, which reduces the reaction time usually needed from 125 h to a mere 15 min. The investigation employs cavitation and vibration effects of high energy acoustic waves to break down the bulk sulfur into nano-sized particles in the presence of highly alkaline medium and oleic acid. In contrast to previous reports, the obtained SQDs exhibited excellent aqueous solubility, desirable photostability, and a relatively high photoluminescence QY up to 10.4% without the need of any post-treatment. Additionally, the as-synthesized SQDs show excitation-dependent emission and excellent stability in different pH (2-12) and temperature (20 °C-80 °C) environments. Hence, this strategy opens a new pathway for rapid synthesis of SQDs and may facilitate the use of these materials for biomedical and optoelectronic applications.

Luminescent Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Optical Properties, Bioimaging and Toxicity

Luminescent nanomaterials such as semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) and quantum dots (QDs) attract much attention to optical detectors, LEDs, photovoltaics, displays, biosensing, and bioimaging. These materials include metal chalcogenide QDs and metal halide perovskite NCs. Since the introduction of cadmium chalcogenide QDs to biolabeling and bioimaging, various metal nanoparticles (NPs), atomically precise metal nanoclusters, carbon QDs, graphene QDs, silicon QDs, and other chalcogenide QDs have been infiltrating the nano-bio interface as imaging and therapeutic agents. Nanobioconjugates prepared from luminescent QDs form a new class of imaging probes for cellular and in vivo imaging with single-molecule, super-resolution, and 3D resolutions. Surface modified and bioconjugated core-only and core-shell QDs of metal chalcogenides (MX; M = Cd/Pb/Hg/Ag, and X = S/Se/Te,), binary metal chalcogenides (MInX₂; M = Cu/Ag, and X = S/Se/Te), indium compounds (InAs and InP), metal NPs (Ag, Au, and Pt), pure or mixed precision nanoclusters (Ag, Au, Pt), carbon nanomaterials (graphene QDs, graphene nanosheets, carbon NPs, and nanodiamond), silica NPs, silicon QDs, etc. have become prevalent in biosensing, bioimaging, and phototherapy. While heavy metal-based QDs are limited to in vitro bioanalysis or clinical testing due to their potential metal ion-induced toxicity, carbon (nanodiamond and graphene) and silicon QDs, gold and silica nanoparticles, and metal nanoclusters continue their in vivo voyage towards clinical imaging and therapeutic applications. This review summarizes the synthesis, chemical modifications, optical properties, and bioimaging applications of semiconductor QDs with particular references to metal chalcogenide QDs and bimetallic chalcogenide QDs. Also, this review highlights the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of QD bioconjugates.

Superior possibilities and upcoming horizons for nanoscience in COVID-19: noteworthy approach for effective diagnostics and management of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused great havoc and affected many parts of the world. It has imposed a great challenge to the medical and health fraternity with its ability to continue mutating and increasing the transmission rate. Some challenges include the availability of current knowledge of active drugs against the virus, mode of delivery of the medicaments, its diagnosis, which are relatively limited and do not suffice for further prognosis. One recently developed drug delivery system called nanoparticles is currently being utilized in combating COVID-19. This article highlights the existing methods for diagnosis of COVID-19 such as computed tomography scan, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid sequencing, immunoassay, point-of-care test, detection from breath, nanotechnology-based bio-sensors, viral antigen detection, microfluidic device, magnetic nanosensor, magnetic resonance platform and internet-of-things biosensors. The latest detection strategy based on nanotechnology, biosensor, is said to produce satisfactory results in recognizing SARS-CoV-2 virus. It also highlights the successes in the research and development of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines that are already in use. In addition, there are a number of nanovaccines and nanomedicines currently in clinical trials that have the potential to target COVID-19.

Encapsulation of Cadmium-Free InP/ZnSe/ZnS Quantum Dots in Poly(LMA-co-EGDMA) Microparticles via Co-flow Droplet Microfluidics

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that are used in optoelectronic applications. Most modern QDs are based on toxic metals, for example Cd, and do not comply with the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulation of the European Union. Latest promising developments focus on safer QD alternatives based on elements from the III-V group. However, the InP-based QDs lack an overall photostability under environmental influences. One design path of achieving stability is through encapsulation in cross-linked polymer matrices with the possibility to covalently link the matrix to surface ligands of modified core-shell QDs. The work focuses on the formation of polymer microbeads suitable for InP-based QD encapsulation, allowing for an individual protection of QDs and an improved processibility via this particle-based approach. For this, a microfluidic based method in the co-flow regime is used that consists of an oil-in-water droplet system in a glass capillary environment. The generated monomer droplets are polymerized in-flow into poly(LMA-co-EGDMA) microparticles with embedded InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs using a UV initiation. They demonstrate how a successful polymer microparticle formation via droplet microfluidics produces optimized matrix structures leading to a distinct photostability improvement of InP-based QDs compared to nonprotected QDs.

Recent advances in quantum dot-based fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assays

Fluorescence immunoassays have been given considerable attention among the quantitative detection methods in the clinical medicine and food safety testing fields. In particular, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have become ideal fluorescent probes for highly sensitive and multiplexed detection due to their unique photophysical properties, and the QD fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA) with high sensitivity, high accuracy, and high throughput has been greatly developed recently. In this manuscript, the advantages of applying QDs to FLISA platforms and some strategies for their application to in vitro diagnostics and food safety are discussed. Given the rapid development of this field, we classify these strategies based on the combination of QD types and detection targets, including traditional QDs or QD micro/nano-spheres-FLISA, and multiple FLISA platforms. In addition, some new sensors based on the QD-FLISA are introduced; this is one of the hot spots in this field. The current focus and future direction of QD-FLISA are also discussed, which provides important guidance for the further development of FLISA.

Fluorescence Quantum Yield Standards for the UV/Visible/NIR: Development, Traceable Characterization, and Certification

The rational design of next generation molecular and nanoscale reporters and the comparison of different emitter classes require the determination of the fluorometric key performance parameter fluorescence quantum yield (Φ_f), i.e., the number of emitted photons per number of absorbed photons. Main prerequisites for reliable Φ_f measurements, which are for transparent luminophore solutions commonly done relative to a reference, i.e., a fluorescence quantum yield standard of known Φ_f, are reliable and validated instrument calibration procedures to consider wavelength-, polarization-, and time-dependent instrument specific signal contributions, and sufficiently well characterized fluorescence quantum yield standards. As the standard's Φ_f value directly contributes to the calculation of the sample's Φ_f, its accuracy presents one of the main sources of uncertainty of relative Φ_f measurements. To close this gap, we developed a first set of 12 fluorescence quantum yield standards, which absorb and emit in the wavelength region of 330-1000 nm and absolutely determined their Φ_f values with two independently calibrated integrating sphere setups. Criteria for standard selection and the configuration of these novel fluorescence reference materials are given, and the certification procedure is presented including homogeneity and stability studies and the calculation of complete uncertainty budgets for the certified Φ_f values. The ultimate goal is to provide the community of fluorescence users with available reference materials as a basis for an improved comparability and reliability of quantum yield data since the measurement of this spectroscopic key property is an essential part of the characterization of any new emitter.

Superior biocompatible carbon dots for dynamic fluorescence imaging of nucleoli in living cells

The nucleolus is a newly developed and promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy, and its imaging is extremely significant for fundamental research and clinical applications. The unique feature, i.e., high resolution at the subcellular level, makes the fluorescence imaging method a powerful tool for nucleolus imaging. However, the fluorescence imaging of nucleoli in living cells is restricted by the limited availability of fluorescent agents with specific nucleolus-targeting capability and superior biocompatibility. Here, promising carbon dots (CDs) with intrinsic nucleolus-targeting capability were synthesized, characterized and employed for dynamic fluorescence imaging of nucleoli in living cells. The CDs exhibit a high fluorescence quantum yield of 0.2, excellent specificity and photostability, and superior biocompatibility, which were systematically demonstrated at the gene, cellular and animal levels and confirmed by their biological effects on embryonic development. All these features enabled CDs to light up the nucleoli for a long time with a high signal-to-noise ratio in living cells and monitor the nucleolar dynamics of malignant cells in camptothecin (CPT) based chemotherapy. Their excellent optical and biological features as well as general nucleolus-targeting capability endow CDs with great potential for future translational research.

Fabrication of CuInZnS/ZnS Quantum Dot Microbeads by a Two-Step Approach of Emulsification-Solvent Evaporation and Surfactant Substitution and Its Application for Quantitative Detection

CuInS2 quantum dots (CIS QDs) are considered to be promising alternatives for Cd-based QDs in the fields of biology and medicine. However, high-quality hydrophobic CIS QDs are difficult to be transferred to water due to their 1-dodecylmercaptan (DDT) ligands. Therefore, the fluorescence and stability of the prepared aqueous CIS QDs is not enough to meet the requirement for sensitive detection. Here, as large as 13 nm CuInZnS/ZnS QDs with DDT ligands were first synthesized, and then, CuInZnS/ZnS microbeads (QBs) containing thousands of QDs were successfully fabricated by a two-step approach of emulsion-solvent evaporation and surfactant substitution. Through emulsion-solvent evaporation, the CuInZnS/ZnS QDs formed microbeads in the microemulsion with dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been effectively overcome. Then, CO-520 was introduced to substitute DTAB to improve the stability and water solubility. Lastly, the microbeads were coated with a SiO2 shell and carboxylated. Subsequently, the constructed QBs (∼210 nm) were used as labels in a fluorescence immunosorbent assay (FLISA) for quantitative detection of heart type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), and the limit of detection was 0.48 ng mL-1, which indicated a greatly improved detection sensitivity compared to that of the Cd-free QDs. The highly fluorescent and stable CuInZnS/ZnS QBs will have great application prospects in many biological fields.

Recent Advances in Silicon Quantum Dot-Based Fluorescent Biosensors

With the development of nanotechnology, fluorescent silicon nanomaterials have been synthesized and applied in various areas. Among them, silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) are a new class of zero-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding optical properties, benign biocompatibility, and ultra-small size. In recent years, SiQDs have been gradually utilized for constructing high-performance fluorescent sensors for chemical or biological analytes. Herein, we focus on reviewing recent advances in SiQD-based fluorescent biosensors from a broad perspective and discussing possible future trends. First, the representative progress for synthesizing water-soluble SiQDs in the past decade is systematically summarized. Then, the latest achievement of the design and fabrication of SiQD-based fluorescent biosensors is introduced, with a particular focus on analyte-induced photoluminescence (fluorescence) changes, hybrids of SiQDs with other materials or molecules, and biological ligand-modification methods. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of this field are highlighted.

Ag-doped InP/ZnS quantum dots for type-I photosensitizers

Water-soluble Ag-doped InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) with high photoluminescence quantum yield were synthesized and characterized. Their maximum two- and three-photon absorption cross sections are determined as ∼1.7 × 10⁴ GM at 820 nm and ∼1.7 × 10^-76 cm⁶ s² photon^-2 at 1260 nm. Importantly, for the first time, we demonstrated that Ag-doped InP/ZnS QDs can be used for type-I photodynamic therapy and are more suitable for the hypoxic environment of tumors.

Tuning functionalized hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots for full visible-light fluorescence emission

Tunable photoluminescence has been observed in hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), but the underlying luminescence mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we examine excited-state properties of several functionalized BNQDs models using density functional theory (DFT), time-dependent DFT, and multistate complete active space second-order perturbation theory (MS-CASPT2) methods. Unlike reported graphene quantum dots, photoluminescence of BNQDs is not affected by their sizes (<2.5 nm). Instead, the embedded single sp³ carbon atom connecting different functional groups can tune emission colors of BNQDs, whose emission wavelength cover full range of visible light and even extend toward near-infrared region. Further analysis reveals that both exciton self-trapping and electron-hole separation decrease HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, leading to large Stokes shifts. Moreover, uneven and even hybridizations induce blue- and red-shifted emission spectra. These findings provide novel insights into full-spectrum emission of BNQDs modified with functional groups.

Computational Biomaterials: Computational Simulations for Biomedicine

With the flourishing development of material simulation methods (quantum chemistry methods, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, phase field, etc.), extensive adoption of computing technologies (high-throughput, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc.), and the invention of high-performance computing equipment, computational simulation tools have sparked the fundamental mechanism-level explorations to predict the diverse physicochemical properties and biological effects of biomaterials and investigate their enormous application potential for disease prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Herein, the term "computational biomaterials" is proposed and the computational methods currently used to explore the inherent properties of biomaterials, such as optical, magnetic, electronic, and acoustic properties, and the elucidation of corresponding biological behaviors/effects in the biomedical field are summarized/discussed. The theoretical calculation of the physiochemical properties/biological performance of biomaterials applied in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, disease therapeutics, and specific paradigms such as biomimetic biomaterials is discussed. Additionally, the biosafety evaluation applications of theoretical simulations of biomaterials are presented. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of such computational simulations for biomaterials development are clarified. It is anticipated that these simulations would offer various methodologies for facilitating the development and future clinical translations/utilization of versatile biomaterials.

Deep Blue and Highly Emissive ZnS-Passivated InP QDs: Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Deciphering of Their Ultrafast-to-Slow Photodynamics

InP-based quantum dots (QDs) are an environment-friendly alternative to their heavy metal-ion-based counterparts. Herein we report a simple procedure for synthesizing blue emissive InP QDs using oleic acid and oleylamine as surface ligands, yielding ultrasmall QDs with average sizes of 1.74 and 1.81 nm, respectively. Consecutive thin coating with ZnS increased the size of these QDs to 4.11 and 4.15 nm, respectively, alongside a significant enhancement of their emission intensities centered at ∼410 nm and ∼430 nm, respectively. Pure phase synthesis of these deep-blue emissive QDs is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Armed with femtosecond to millisecond time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, we decipher the energy pathways, reflecting the effect of successive ZnS passivation on the charge carrier (electrons and holes) dynamics in the deep-blue emissive InP, InP/ZnS, and InP/ZnS/ZnS QDs. Successive coating of the InP QDs increases the intraband relaxation times from 200 to 700 fs and the lifetime of the hot electrons from 2 to 8 ps. The lifetime of the cold holes also increase from 1 to 4 ps, and remarkably, the Auger recombination escalates from 15 to 165 ps. The coating also drastically decreases the quenching by the molecular oxygen of the trapped charge carriers at the surfaces of the QDs. Our results provide clues to push further the emission of InP QDs into more energetically spectral regions and to increase the fluorescence quantum yield, targeting the construction of efficient UV-emissive light-emitting devices (LEDs).

Investigation on conformational variation and enzymatic activity of trypsin affected by Ti3C2 QDs via spectroscopic technique and molecular modeling

In this paper, Ti₃C₂ quantum dots (Ti₃C₂ QDs) were synthesized by simply treating Ti₃C₂ MXene powder with acid and base via hydrothermal method. Ti₃C₂ QDs exhibited superior fluorescence property and were used for the fluorescent imaging of living HeLa cells successfully. In order to evaluate the influence of Ti₃C₂ QDs on protease with specific biological functions, binding interaction of Ti₃C₂ QDs with trypsin was studied comprehensively and deeply through spectroscopic strategies and molecular modeling technique. The intrinsic fluorescence of trypsin was spontaneously quenched by Ti₃C₂ QDs through static quenching mode under van der Waals interaction force, and Ti₃C₂ QDs bound with the inactive residue domain of trypsin firmly with stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. Ti₃C₂ QDs induced the microenvironmental variation of the amino acid residues in trypsin, reducing the thermal stability of trypsin significantly. Gel electrophoresis experiments and microscopic imaging experiments demonstrated that Ti₃C₂ QDs inhibited the enzymatic activity of trypsin on the digestion of human serum albumin and HeLa cells obviously. These results revealed not only the deep interaction mechanism between Ti₃C₂ QDs and protease but also the influence of Ti₃C₂ QDs on the enzymatic activity of trypsin, paving the way for the safe biological application of Ti₃C₂ QDs in the diagnosis and the therapy of protease-related diseases.

Progress on the toxicity of quantum dots to model organism-zebrafish

In vivo toxicological studies are currently necessary to analyze the probable dangers of quantum dots (QDs) to the environment and human safety, due to the fast expansion of QDs in a range of applications. Because of its high fecundity, cost-effectiveness, well-defined developmental phases, and optical transparency, zebrafish has long been considered the "gold standard" for biosafety assessment of chemical substances and pollutants. In this review, the advantages of using zebrafish in QD toxicity assessment were explored. Then, the target organ toxicities such as developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity were summarized. The hazardous effects of different QDs, including cadmium-containing QDs like CdTe, CdSe, and CdSe/ZnS, as well as cadmium-free QDs like graphene QDs (GQDs), graphene oxide QDs (GOQDs), and others, were emphasized and described in detail, as well as the underlying mechanisms of QDs generating these effects. Furthermore, general physicochemical parameters determining QD-induced toxicity in zebrafish were introduced, such as chemical composition and surface coating/modification. The limitations and special concerns of using zebrafish in QD toxicity studies were also mentioned. Finally, we predicted that the utilization of high-throughput screening assays and omics, such as transcriptome sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics will be popular topic in nanotoxicology.

Reeling them in: Ph2PSiMe3 in the sequential formation of InP magic-sized clusters

Indium phosphide magic-sized clusters (MSCs) have been identified as a key step in the growth of InP quantum dots (QDs). However, the need for elevated temperatures to form QDs from MSCs has limited our understanding of this transformation. Herein, we utilize Ph₂PSiMe₃ to identify additional MSC intermediate species, which absorb from 365 nm to 490 nm. Excitingly, particle growth was carried out at 100 °C without the use of acidic surfactants. We show that despite being discrete, stable, and isolable sizes of MSCs, they form a reaction continuum, thus providing further insight into the growth mechanism of InP.

Lima K, Alves de Matos P, Tsubone TM, Gonçalves RR, Ferrari JL. Upconversion rare Earths nanomaterials applied to photodynamic therapy and bioimaging

Light-based therapies and diagnoses including photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been used in many fields of medicine, including the treatment of non-oncological diseases and many types of cancer. PDT require a light source and a light-sensitive compound, called photosensitizer (PS), to detect and destroy cancer cells. After absorption of the photon, PS molecule gets excited from its singlet ground state to a higher electronically excited state which, among several photophysical processes, can emit light (fluorescence) and/or generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the biological responses are activated only in specific areas of the tissue that have been submitted to exposure to light. The success of the PDT depends on many parameters, such as deep light penetration on tissue, higher PS uptake by undesired cells as well as its photophysical and photochemical characteristics. One of the challenges of PDT is the depth of penetration of light into biological tissues. Because photon absorption and scattering occur simultaneously, these processes depend directly on the light wavelength. Using PS that absorbs photons on “optical transparency windows” of biological tissues promises deeper penetration and less attenuation during the irradiation process. The traditional PS normally is excited by a higher energy photon (UV-Vis light) which has become the Achilles’ heel in photodiagnosis and phototreatment of deep-seated tumors below the skin. Thus, the need to have an effective upconverter sensitizer agent is the property in which it absorbs light in the near-infrared (NIR) region and emits in the visible and NIR spectral regions. The red emission can contribute to the therapy and the green and NIR emission to obtain the image, for example. The absorption of NIR light by the material is very interesting because it allows greater penetration depth for in vivo bioimaging and can efficiently suppress autofluorescence and light scattering. Consequently, the penetration of NIR radiation is greater, activating the biophotoluminescent material within the cell. Thus, materials containing Rare Earth (RE) elements have a great advantage for these applications due to their attractive optical and physicochemical properties, such as several possibilities of excitation wavelengths – from UV to NIR, strong photoluminescence emissions, relatively long luminescence decay lifetimes (µs to ms), and high sensitivity and easy preparation. In resume, the relentless search for new systems continues. The contribution and understanding of the mechanisms of the various physicochemical properties presented by this system is critical to finding a suitable system for cancer treatment via PDT.

Eye-Resolvable Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence Temperature Sensor

Temperature sensors are widely used in important fields such as daily home, medical care, and aerospace as a commonly used device for measuring temperature. Traditional temperature sensors such as thermocouples, thermal resistances, and infrared sensors are technically mature; however, they have limitations in the application environment, temperature measurement range, and temperature measurement accuracy. An eye-resolvable surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence temperature sensor based on dual-emission Ag@SiO₂@CdS/ZnS composite nanoparticle film with multiple-parameter detectable signals and high response sensitivity was proposed in this work. The temperature sensor's x-chromaticity coordinate varied from 0.299 to 0.358 in the range of 77-297 K, while the y-chromaticity coordinate varied from 0.288 to 0.440, displaying eye-resolvable surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence. The ratiometric response of two isolated photoluminescence (PL) peak-integrated areas located around 446 and 592 nm was found to be significantly temperature dependent, with a thermal sensitivity of 1.4% K^-1, which can be used as an additional parameter to measure the precise temperature. Furthermore, the surface state emission peak intensity was linearly related to temperature, with a correlation index Adj. R-Square of 99.8%. Multiple independent temperature estimates can help with self-calibration and improve the measurement accuracy. Our findings show that the designed sensors can detect low temperatures while maintaining stability and reproducibility.

Near-infrared photoactive Ag-Zn-Ga-S-Se quantum dots for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

The high light-harvesting ability of quantum dots (QDs) plays an eminent role in the performance of solar cells. In this study, we synthesized Ag-Zn-Ga-S-Se-based alloyed QDs by colloidal hot injection and characterized them. The X-ray photoelectron spectrum analysis confirms the +1, +2, +3, -2, and -2 oxidation states of, respectively, Ag, Zn, Ga, S, and Se in the QDs, and the energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis confirms the 1:1:1:1.5:1.5 stoichiometric ratio of, respectively, Ag, Zn, Ga, S, and Se. These two results indicate the formation of I-II-III-VI₃-type alloyed crystals (AgZnGaS_1.5Se_1.5 nanocrystals). TEM image analysis reveals the QD nature of the synthesized Ag-Zn-Ga-S-Se nanocrystals. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the hexagonal structure. Due to the near-infrared light absorption capability, the synthesized QDs were used as the sensitizer to fabricate QDSCs. The fabricated QDSCs were characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photovoltaic performance studies. The fabricated QDSC have superior electrochemical activity with a photoconversion efficiency of 4.91%.

Quantum Dots Mediated Imaging and Phototherapy in Cancer Spheroid Models: State of the Art and Perspectives

Quantum Dots (QDs) are fluorescent nanoparticles known for their exceptional optical properties, i.e., high fluorescence emission, photostability, narrow emission spectrum, and broad excitation wavelength. These properties make QDs an exciting choice for bioimaging applications, notably in cancer imaging. Challenges lie in their ability to specifically label targeted cells. Numerous studies have been carried out with QDs coupled to various ligands like peptides, antibodies, aptamers, etc., to achieve efficient targeting. Most studies were conducted in vitro with two-dimensional cell monolayers (n = 8902) before evolving towards more sophisticated models. Three-dimensional multicellular tumor models better recapitulate in vivo conditions by mimicking cell-to-cell and cell-matrix interactions. To date, only few studies (n = 34) were conducted in 3D in vitro models such as spheroids, whereas these models could better represent QDs behavior in tumors compared to monolayers. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present a state of the art on the studies conducted with Quantum Dots on spheroid models for imaging and phototherapy purposes.