Quantum dots in molecular detection of disease.

The unique photophysical properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have made them ideal for use as spectral labels and luminescent probes. In this review, applications are presented in which QDs function as active participants in nanoscale biosensor assemblies, where replacing traditional molecular fluorophores results in improved assay performance. Specific focus is on disease detection with applications including multiplexed target detection, mutation detection by coincidence analysis and QD-based FRET reporters for miRNA detection and DNA methylation analysis.