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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.