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Bright, Biocompatible NIR-II-Emitting I-VI Quantum Dots for Rapid Disease Diagnosis
Sisi Ling1, Xiaohu Yang1, Hongchao Yang1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Organoid Engineering and Precision Medicine, Division of Nanobiomedicine and i-Lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|April 3, 2026
Summary
Quantum dots (QDs) enable advanced near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging for rapid, sensitive disease diagnosis. This technology offers deep tissue penetration and high resolution for improved clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Clinical diagnostics require timely, sensitive, and specific detection methods, which current technologies often fail to meet.
- Near-infrared II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging offers deep tissue penetration, high resolution, and excellent signal-to-background ratios for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
- Quantum dots (QDs) are advanced fluorescent nanomaterials with potential to address limitations in current diagnostic techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent research progress in NIR-II emitting I-VI QDs for rapid clinical diagnostics.
- To discuss strategies for achieving rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence detection using QDs.
- To summarize applications of QD-based NIR-II imaging in in vivo and clinical diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Design, characterization of photophysical properties, and biosafety assessment of NIR-II emitting I-VI QDs.
- Development of strategies for sensitive fluorescence detection, including self-assembly, competitive absorption suppression, FRET, and CRET.
- In vivo and clinical sample diagnostic applications, including tumor margin delineation, micrometastasis detection, vascular pathology monitoring, and inflammation/injury assessment.
Main Results:
- NIR-II emitting I-VI QDs demonstrate promising photophysical properties and favorable biosafety profiles.
- Novel strategies significantly enhance the speed and sensitivity of QD-based fluorescence detection.
- Successful in vivo and clinical applications showcase the potential of NIR-II QD imaging for precise tumor detection, vascular monitoring, and early disease assessment.
Conclusions:
- NIR-II fluorescent probes, particularly QDs, offer significant advantages for diagnostic research, enabling deep tissue imaging and sensitive detection.
- Existing challenges in QD-based diagnostics require further research and development.
- Future directions include optimizing QD performance, exploring new detection mechanisms, and expanding clinical translation for improved patient outcomes.
