Biological Applications of Aqueous CuInS Quantum Dots: Overview

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs), a type of semiconductor nanomaterial, have drawn a lot of attention because of their exceptional optical characteristics and prospective uses in biology and medicine. However, the presence of heavy hazardous metals in typical QDs, such as Cd, Pb and Hg, has posed a significant obstacle to their use. Therefore, it is essential to look for a workable substitute that would be nontoxic and have comparable optical characteristics to the traditional QDs. It has been determined that ternary I–III–VI QDs are appropriate substitutes. They emit light in the near-infrared range and have adjustable optical characteristics. They are valuable in a variety of biological applications because of their optical characteristics and can be easily bioconjugated with biomolecules for targeted imaging. Therefore, this review concentrates on the most recent developments in the usage of aqueous CIS QDs in biological, bioconjugated with biomolecules, nanomedical and drug delivery system applications.