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A mini review on selenium quantum dots: synthesis and biomedical applications
Yanhua Huang1, Guangming Lu1, Li Zhou1
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomedical Polymer Materials, and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|January 5, 2024
Summary
Elemental selenium quantum dots (SeQDs) offer a low-toxicity alternative to traditional quantum dots for biomedical uses. This review covers SeQD synthesis and applications in bioimaging and biosensing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Growing demand for advanced biomedical nanomaterials.
- Selenium's recognized health benefits (anti-cancer, antioxidant, immune regulation).
- Toxicity concerns associated with traditional heavy metal-based quantum dots (QDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review synthesis methods for fluorescent elemental selenium quantum dots (SeQDs).
- To highlight recent advancements in SeQD applications for bioimaging, biosensing, and diagnosis/treatment.
- To identify current challenges and future directions in SeQD research.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on fluorescent SeQD synthesis.
- Analysis of studies detailing SeQD applications in biomedical fields.
- Discussion of challenges and future prospects.
Main Results:
- Elemental selenium quantum dots (SeQDs) exhibit low toxicity and good biocompatibility.
- SeQDs demonstrate potential in bioimaging, biosensing, and theranostics.
- Various synthesis routes for fluorescent SeQDs have been developed.
Conclusions:
- SeQDs represent a promising, non-toxic alternative to heavy metal QDs for biomedical applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and fully realize SeQD potential.
- SeQDs are poised for significant impact in diagnostics and therapeutics.
