Preparation of Water-Dispersible Perovskite-Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications

This review highlights recent advancements in stabilizing perovskite-quantum dots (PQDs) for biomedical applications. PQDs like CsPbBr₃ nanoparticles are promising due to their high photoluminescence-quantum yield, narrow emission linewidth, and ability to control excitation and emission wavelengths, making them suitable for bioimaging and sensing applications. However, their instability in moist and aqueous environments and potential toxicity due to heavy metals like lead pose significant challenges. To address these issues, various surface-modification strategies, including encapsulation, ligand exchange, and phase transfer, have been developed. These methods aim to improve PQD stability and biocompatibility while preserving their optical properties. Encapsulation techniques using polymers, silica, and phospholipids have shown promise in maintaining PQD stability in aqueous solutions. Ligand-exchange strategies with multidentate and multifunctional ligands have enhanced PQD surface binding and hydrophilicity, improving their environmental robustness. Applications such as fluorescence cellular imaging, theragnostics, and immunoassays demonstrate the potential of stabilized PQDs in biomedical applications. Despite these advancements, further research is needed to develop non-toxic PQDs and ensure long-term stability. Continued progress in PQD synthesis and surface modification could lead to significant breakthroughs in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.