The Use of Semiconductor Quantum Dots with Large, Built-In Spontaneous Polarizations for the Electric Potential Stimulation of Biological Structures on the Nanoscale

Abstract

The feasibility of using quantum dots fabricated from materials with built-in spontaneous polarizations for the electric potential stimulation of biological structures in aqueous environments is evaluated by modeling the electric potential produced in the vicinity of such quantum dots. By modeling the external potential created by the spherical nanoscale region of a material with spontaneous polarization, and by considering Debye screening in the vicinity of the quantum dot, it is found that electric potential around these nanostructures is sufficient to cause physiological effects in selected biological systems. These findings suggest that quantum dots may be used in lieu of quantum dots with polarizations produced using an external laser to cause physiological effects. The elimination of the external laser represents a significant benefit of using quantum dots with permanent, built-in spontaneous polarization.

Stimulation of Biological Structures on the Nanoscale Using Interfaces with Large Built-In Spontaneous Polarizations

“…This article models the potential in the vicinity of 2D nanocrystals made of 2H-SiC, ZnO, and GaN. It has been widely considered that the presence of spontaneous polarizations in spherical quantum dots could potentially generate a significant electric potential capable of inducing physiological effects [21][22][23][24]. The use of 2D nanostructures with built-in spontaneous polarizations, as opposed to quantum dots, presents a fundamental extension of previous studies [24].…”

“…It has been widely considered that the presence of spontaneous polarizations in spherical quantum dots could potentially generate a significant electric potential capable of inducing physiological effects [21][22][23][24]. The use of 2D nanostructures with built-in spontaneous polarizations, as opposed to quantum dots, presents a fundamental extension of previous studies [24]. Moreover, this model includes the effect of Debye screening, which occurs near such 2D materials when they are immersed in electrolytes that are ubiquitous in cellular environments.…”