Regensburg 2004 – scientific programme

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AKB: Biologische Physik

AKB 22: Single Molecule Methods

AKB 22.3: Invited Talk

Tuesday, March 9, 2004, 15:00–15:30, H40

Labeling of Cells with Quantum Dots — •Wolfgang Parak — Center for Nanoscience, LMU Muenchen, Muenchen, Germany

Colloidal quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals well dispersed in a solvent. The optical properties of quantum dots, in particular the wavelength of their fluorescence, depend strongly on their size. Because of their reduced tendency to photobleach, colloidal quantum dots are interesting fluorescence probes for all types of labeling studies. We will give an overview on how quantum dots so far have been used in cell biology. In particular we will discuss the biological relevant properties of quantum dots and focus on three topics: Labeling of cellular structures and receptors with quantum dots, incorporation of quantum dots by living cells, and the tracking of the path and the fate of individual cells by quantum dot labels.