Theranostics applications of quantum dots in regenerative medicine, cancer medicine, and infectious diseases

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2023 Sep:200:114863. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114863. Epub 2023 May 6.

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted attention for their application and commercialization in all industrial fields, including communications, displays, and solar cells, due to their excellent optical properties based on the quantum size effect. In recent years, the development of QDs that do not contain cadmium which is toxic to cells and living organisms, has progressed, and they have attracted considerable attention in the bio-imaging field for targeting molecules and cells. Furthermore, recently, the need for diagnostics and treatment at the single molecule and single cell level in the medical field has been increasing, and the application of QDs in the medical field is also accelerating. Therefore, this paper outlines the frontiers of diagnostic and therapeutic applications (theranostics) of QDs, especially in advanced medical fields such as regenerative medicine, oncology, and infectious diseases.

Keywords: Cancer medicine; In vivo imaging; Infectious disease; Labeling; Quantum dots (QDs); Regenerative medicine; Theranostics.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Precision Medicine
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Regenerative Medicine