Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals of a few
nanometers in diameter, being their size and shape controlled during the
synthesis. They are synthesized from atoms of group II-VI or III-V of
the periodic table, such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) or cadmium selenium
(CdSe) forming nanoparticles with fluorescent characteristics superior
to current fluorophores. The excellent optical characteristics of
quantum dots make them applied widely in the field of life sciences.
Cellular uptake of QDs, location and translocation as well as any
biological consequence, such as cytotoxicity, stimulated a lot of
scientific research in this area. Several studies pointed to the
cytotoxic effect against micoorganisms. In this mini-review, we
overviewed the synthesis and optical properties of QDs, and its
advantages and bioapplications in the studies about microorganisms such
as protozoa, bacteria, fungi and virus.
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