Analytical applications of quantum dots: Their utilization in sensors, diagnostics and environmental monitoring

Quantum dots are very small particles, about one nanometer across. They are made up of a heavy metal core, like cadmium selenium or cadmium telluride, an unreactive zinc sulfide shell, and a customizable outer coating of different bioactive molecules made for a certain use. Due to their unique chemical make-up and very small size, quantum dots have very stable fluorescent optical qualities that can be easily changed by changing their size or chemical make-up. If quantum dots are excited, they can give off light. The lighter the dot, the stronger the light it sends out. Since dots can be made to give off a range of colors, it seems likely that they could be used as biosensors. Quantum dots don't break down as quickly as the dyes that are currently used as biosensors.