Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have excellent fluorescence properties in comparison to traditional fluorescence probes. Thus, the optical application of QDs is in rapid expansion to each field of analytical chemistry. In this paper, we described about the application of QDs to regenerative medicine, especially stem cell transplantation therapy. Specifically, labeling technologies of stem cells by QDs composed of semiconductor materials in combination with poly-cationic liposome (Lipofectamine®) or cell penetrating peptide (octa-arginine) were reviewed. Moreover, in vivo imaging of transplanted stem cells in mice by QDs emitting fluorescence in near-infrared region, which could be detected by fluorescence in vivo imaging machines such as IVIS imaging system, was reported.
