Aims: Quantum dots are optical nanocrystals whose in vitro and in vivo use in molecular imaging is expanding rapidly. In comparison with organic fluorophores, quantum dots exhibit desirable properties, such as multiwavelength fluorescence emission, excellent brightness and resistance to photobleaching. Their electron-dense, metallic cores suggest utility in other clinical imaging modalities.
Methods: Core-shell zinc sulfide-cadmium telluride quantum dots were studied by magnetic resonance and computed tomography phantoms. Quantum dots were also injected into rat brain, as well as intravenously, using convection-enhanced delivery, prior to animal imaging.
Results: Computed tomography studies suggest that current formulations of quantum dots might be imaged in vivo in animals.
Conclusions: Used in conjunction with optical imaging techniques, quantum dots have the potential to function as multimodal imaging platforms in vivo. The ability to detect an optical nanoparticle preoperatively with clinical imaging modality offers a distinct advantage to clinicians engaged in image-guided surgical applications.