Detect the dots

This paper presents quantum dots (QDds) and its applications in biomolecular analysis and target detection. Applications include QDs as fluorescent labels, QDs in multiplexed detection in biomolecular analysis, QD-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and single-particle fluorescence coincidence detection. Continuous advances in surface chemistry and synthesis processes of QDs have greatly improved the reliability of QDs for biomolecular assaying. A number of QD-based biomolecular technologies have been validated with actual clinical samples. This great progress has shown that QDs are amenable to clinical applications and will accelerate the translation of these new technologies into clinical settings.