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Photosensitization of InP/ZnS quantum dots for anti-cancer and antimicrobial applications

  • McGill University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cadmium-free quantum dots (QDs), such as those made from InP, show similar optical properties to those containing toxic heavy metals and thus provide a promising alternative for imaging and therapeutics. The band gap of InP is similar to that of CdTe, so photosensitization of InP QDs with porphyrins or other dyes should lead to generation of reactive oxygen species, useful for targeted destruction of malignant cells or pathogenic bacteria. Here we show the results of measurements of singlet oxygen and superoxide generation from InP QDs with single and double ZnS shells compared with CdTe and CdSe/ZnS. Reactive oxygen species are measured using colorimetric or fluorescent reporter assays and spin-trap electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We find that the size of the InP QDs and the thickness of the ZnS shell both strongly influence ROS generation. These results suggest future approaches to the design of therapeutic nanoparticles.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationColloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications VII
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
EventColloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications VII - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 21 2012Jan 22 2012

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume8232
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceColloidal Nanocrystals for Biomedical Applications VII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period01/21/1201/22/12

Keywords

  • CdTe
  • Cytotoxicity
  • Doxorubicin
  • Gold nanoparticles
  • InP
  • Quantum Dots
  • Reactive oxygen species

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