Synthesis Of Cdte And Pbs Semiconductor Quantum Dots And Their Biological And Photochemical Applications

Semiconductor quantum dots are inorganic nanoparticles with unique photophysical properties. In particular, water soluble quantum dots which have been synthesized by colloidal chemistry in aqueous environment are highly luminescent. Their huge absorption cross sections, tunable, narrow emission bands and effectiveness of surface functionality have stimulated these luminescent probes in various applications like biological sensors as well as imaging contrast agents. In this paper we will discuss several aspects about the synthesize processes of the water soluble, highly luminescent type of CdTe quantum dots and its near infrared counterpart HgxCd1-xTe, the extremely crystallized PbS quantum dots with the application of the electrochemical assay to detect the cancer embryonic antigen (CEA), and the possible application for using CdTe quantum dots for the quantitative analysis of the photosensitizer PPIX concentration. The problem for detecting singlet oxygen which is one of the most important jobs for photodynamic cancer therapy is also discussed.