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Quantum Dots and Other Fluorescent Nanoparticles: Quo Vadis in the Cell?

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Bio-Applications of Nanoparticles

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 620))

Abstract

An exponentially growing number of nanotechnology-based products are providing new platforms for research in different scientific disciplines (e.g., life sciences and medicine). Biocompatible nanoparticles are expected to significantly impact the development of new approaches in medical diagnoses and drug delivery; however, very little is known about the effects of long-term exposure of different nanoparticles in different cell types and tissues. The first objective of this chapter is to provide a brief account of the current status of fluorescent nanoparticles (i.e., quantum dots, fluorescently-labeled micelles, and FloDots) that serve as tools for bioimaging and therapeutics. The second objective of this chapter is to describe the modes and mechanisms of nanoparticle-cell interactions and the “potential” toxic consequences thereof.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    Dusica Maysinger & Jasmina Lovrić

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    Jasmina Lovrić

Authors
  1. Dusica Maysinger
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  2. Jasmina Lovrić
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, The Terrence Donnelly, Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Materials Science and Engineering, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Warren C. W. Chan Ph.D.

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Maysinger, D., Lovrić, J. (2007). Quantum Dots and Other Fluorescent Nanoparticles: Quo Vadis in the Cell?. In: Chan, W.C.W. (eds) Bio-Applications of Nanoparticles. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 620. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-76713-0_12

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