Protein-quantum dot nanohybrids for bioanalytical applications

Quantum dots (QDs) coupled with biomolecules play an important role as optically and chemically stable bioimaging agents for various applications. These inorganic–biological hybrid conjugates have been demonstrated as powerful fluorescence tools for sensing, diagnostics, and labeling. This review focuses on protein–QD nanohybrids for different types of bioanalytical applications. There are various strategies to modify the surface properties of QDs to produce protein–QD nanohybrids that are stable in biological fluids. We expect that multifunctional protein–QD nanohybrids can be used as a powerful optical probe for various biological applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:178–190. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1345 This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing