Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are tiny light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale, and are emerging as a new
class of fluorescent labels for biology and medicine. In comparison with organic dyes and fluorescent proteins, they have
unique optical and electronic properties, with size-tunable light emission, superior signal brightness, resistance to
photobleaching, and broad absorption spectra for simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. We described
the preparation and characterization of various surface coated luminescent semiconductor CdTe/CdS QDs for biological
labeling. This study demonstrates the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of all six surface-modified QDs. QD-surface
modifications do play a significant role in cell cytotoxicity. In addition, increasing cytotoxicity with higher QD
concentration for various surface coated QDs was observed. By demonstrating how nanoparticle surface coatings can
influence cell toxicity, these results serve to suggest an additional factor to be considered in the design of biocompatible
nanomaterials for future biological applications.
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