The University of Nottingham

Published purpose

Technological advances in imaging instrumentation in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range (1000-1700 nm) have resulted in unparalleled improvements in fluorescence image resolution and depth of penetration in biological tissues, which is required for preclinical in vivo imaging. However, one major limitation for the clinical adoption of SWIR imaging is the lack of biocompatible and powerful (high quantum yield) SWIR emitters. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with SWIR emission are a new emerging classes of nanomaterials with potential to drive innovative biomolecular imaging and quantum sensing. The quantum confinement effects and unique imaging properties of these novel nanomaterials can be exploited to develop powerful quantum biosensors capable of non-invasive monitoring of chemical and biological changes and processes deep in the body and in clinical samples. In the Project, the aim is to transform these nanomaterials into multi-modal imaging probes and intelligent bio-sensors by better understanding of their structure-function relationships, biocompatibility and tissue targeting abilities.