Synthesis strategies and application of ternary quantum dots—in cancer therapy
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Semiconductor nanoparticles also known as quantum dots (QDs) have continued to receive more
attention from researchers due to their unique optical, magnetic and photo physical properties which
made them useful as biomedical materials, solar cells, catalyst etc. However, ternary I–III–VI QDs have
shown to be a safer alternative to the binary II–VI or IV–VI QDs due to the absent of heavy toxic
elements such as Cd and Pb. Cancer management and therapy in Africa has been bedevilled by a lot
of challenges such as inaccurate diagnosis and ineffective therapeutic methods. Therefore, the need
to develop an appropriate approach for cancer detection and treatment is of paramount importance.
Tunable optical properties and absorption in the near infra-red region of the ternary QDs makes
them useful as fluorescent probes in cancer detection and treatment. They have the ability to detect
specific cancer cells including those that are not easily detected by modern imaging technique. Also,
properties such as non-bleaching, stability, water solubility etc. made them a desirable fluorophore
when compared to conventional dyes. Most cancer drugs suffer from inherent shortcomings such
as limited absorption, insolubility and aggregation. However, these shortcomings can be overcome
when these drugs are applied in form of conjugated systems. The use of QDs as conjugates has
revolutionise the treatment of cancer in the 21st century. This review provides information about
the synthesis strategies, optical properties, hydrophilization and bioconjugation of ternary I–III–VI QDs.
Furthermore, we described the various biomedical applications in biosensors, bioimaging, drug delivery
and phototherapeutic techniques. Finally, we looked at the challenges and future perspective of these
QDs in cancer management.
Keywords
QD Chemistry