Quantum dots are particles composed of semiconductor materials that are in bulk toxic to biological systems. Though the exact degree and nature of this toxicity is quite unknown, this concern will likely hinder the use of quantum dots in medical applications. Researchers have developed new coatings that make quantum dots appear as proteins and thus are not seen by live cells as toxic. 

Gold has many advantage because it is biologically inert in large quantities; however, there is the possibility that gold nanoparticles, due to their high surface area to volume ratio, could react within a body and cause problems. More research into the dangers of these nanoparticles will be needed to determine and counter possible toxicity.

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Copyright © 2005 Nanogroup Beta: Jason Feng, Maryam Liaqat, Eric Shubo Ma | Physics 87N: Prof. Hari Manoharan
Last modified: 12/09/05