Nanotechnology and molecular cytogenetics: the future has not yet arrived

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are a novel class of inorganic fluorochromes composed of nanometer-scale crystals made of a semiconductor material. They are resistant to photobleaching, have narrow excitation and emission wavelengths that can be controlled by particle size and thus have the potential for multiplexing experiments. Given the remarkable optical properties that quantum dots possess, they have been proposed as an ideal material for use in molecular cytogenetics, specifically the technique of fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH). In this review, we provide an account of the current QD-FISH literature, and speculate as to why QDs are not yet optimised for FISH in their current form.

Keywords: quantum dot; nanotechnology; FISH; imaging

(Published: 3 May 2010)

Citation: Nano Reviews 2010, 1: 5117 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v1i0.5117