Quantum Dots Used to Target Tumors

U.S. scientists have used a new class of luminescent quantum dot nanoparticles in living animals to target and image cancerous tumors.

Quantum dots are nanometer-sized, luminescent, semiconductor crystals that have unique chemical and physical properties because of their size and highly compact structure. Quantum dots can be chemically linked to molecules such as antibodies, peptides, proteins or DNA and engineered to detect other molecules, such as those present on the surface of cancer cells.

Scientists at Emory University said the quantum dots were encapsulated in a polymer coating and attached to an antibody that guided them to prostate tumor sites in living mice, where they were visible using a simple mercury lamp.

The scientists said the ability to target and image cells in living tissue represents a significant step in the quest to use nanotechnology to target, image, and treat cancer, cardiovascular plaques, and neurodegenerative disease in humans.