Thermodynamics of the Interactions between Quantum Dots and Proteins

Quantum dots (QDs) exhibit excellent properties, such as broad absorption, narrow emission, high photoluminescence quantum yields, tunable emission wavelength, and anti-photobleaching. As a result, QDs have important applications in biological imaging, tracking, and sensing. When QDs enter living systems, they first encounter proteins. The interactions between proteins and QDs significantly influence the structures and functions of the proteins, as well as the performance of the QDs in applications. Studies on the interactions between QDs and proteins can provide a theoretical basis for the design, efficient application, and safety evaluation of QDs. Herein we have summarized methods for characterizing the thermodynamics of QD-protein interactions, on the basis of previous work by both our group and others. We also highlight the thermodynamic mechanisms of the QD-protein interactions.