Evaluation of red CdTe and near infrared CdHgTe quantum dots by fluorescent imaging.

Non-invasive fluorescent imaging of preclinical animal models in vivo is a rapidly developing field with new emerging technologies and techniques. Quantum dot (QD) fluorescent probes with longer emission wavelengths in red and near infrared (NIR) emission ranges are more amenable to deep-tissue imaging, because both scattering and autofluorescence are reduced as wavelengths are increased. We have designed and synthesized red CdTe and NIR CdHgTe QDs for fluorescent imaging. We demonstrated fluorescent imaging by using CdTe and CdHgTe QDs as fluorescent probes both in vitro and in vivo. Both CdTe and CdHgTe QDs provided sensitive detection over background autofluorescence in tissue biopsies and live mice, making them attractive probes for in vivo imaging extending into deep tissues or whole animals. The studies suggest a basis of using QD-antibody conjugates to detect membrane antigens.