Quantum Dot-Antibody Conjugates for Immunofluorescence Studies of Biomolecules and Subcellular Structures

Quantum dots, or nanoscale semiconductors, are one of the most important materials for various research and development purposes. Due to their advantageous photoluminescence and electronic properties, namely, their unique photostability, high brightness, narrow emission spectra from visible to near-infrared wavelengths, convey them significant advantages over widely used fluorochromes, including organic dyes, fluorescent probes. Quantum dots are a unique instrument for a wide range of immunoassays with antibodies. The paper provides an overview of the developed and already applied methods of quantum dot surface modification, quantum dots conjugation to different antibodies (non-covalent, direct covalent linkage or with the use of special adapter molecules), as well as practical examples of recent quantum dot-antibody applications in the immunofluorescence microscopy for cell and cell structure imaging, fluorescent assays for biomolecules detection and in diagnostics of various diseases. The review presents advantages of quantum dot-antibody conjugation technology over the existing methods of immunofluorescence studies and a forward look into its potential prospects in biological and biomedical research.