Water-Solubilization and Functionalization of Semiconductor Quantum Dots

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are highly fluorescent nanocrystals that have abundant potential for uses in biological imaging and sensing. However, the best materials are synthesized in hydrophobic surfactants that prevent direct aqueous solubilization. While several methods have been developed to impart water-solubility, an aqueous QD dispersion has no inherent useful purpose and must be functionalized further. Due to the colloidal nature of QD dispersions, traditional methods of chemical conjugation in water either have low yields or cause irreversible precipitation of the sample. Here, we describe several methods to water-solubilize QDs and further functionalize the materials with chemical and/or biological vectors.