Abstract
Introduction: The brain is the most complicated organ in a vertebrate's organism. In a human, it contains about two hundred billions of neurons and non-neuronal cells. To understand the mechanisms of the brain functions is the great challenge for the researchers. Much is already done on this way; however, it remains a lot to do still, and to get deeper knowledge, new approaches should be developed. One of this is to use benefits that nanotechnology brings in this area. Nanotechnology opens up unique opportunities, not only for material science research, but also for biology, medicine, and many other disciplines. There are several kinds of nanoparticles that can be applied in brain studies, Quantum Dots (QD) being so far most often used. QD are semiconductor light emitting nanocrystals with nanometer-sized structures of unique optical properties. They have bright fluorescence, are resistant to bleaching and able of emitting fluorescent light of different wavelengths. These properties make QD perfect tools for visualization of brain structures and mechanisms underlying its functions. Due to unique QD properties, even single molecules under study can be observed. Moreover QDs can be used for brain-targeted drug delivery.
Conclusion: In this review, the application of quantum dots for the brain research is considered and benefits that it can bring are discussed.
Keywords: Brain, conjugates, drugs, fluorescence, quantum dots, visualization.
Graphical Abstract
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Brain and Quantum Dots: Benefits of Nanotechnology for Healthy and Diseased Brain
Volume: 18 Issue: 3
Author(s): Yuri N. Utkin*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxinology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow,Russian Federation
Keywords: Brain, conjugates, drugs, fluorescence, quantum dots, visualization.
Abstract: Introduction: The brain is the most complicated organ in a vertebrate's organism. In a human, it contains about two hundred billions of neurons and non-neuronal cells. To understand the mechanisms of the brain functions is the great challenge for the researchers. Much is already done on this way; however, it remains a lot to do still, and to get deeper knowledge, new approaches should be developed. One of this is to use benefits that nanotechnology brings in this area. Nanotechnology opens up unique opportunities, not only for material science research, but also for biology, medicine, and many other disciplines. There are several kinds of nanoparticles that can be applied in brain studies, Quantum Dots (QD) being so far most often used. QD are semiconductor light emitting nanocrystals with nanometer-sized structures of unique optical properties. They have bright fluorescence, are resistant to bleaching and able of emitting fluorescent light of different wavelengths. These properties make QD perfect tools for visualization of brain structures and mechanisms underlying its functions. Due to unique QD properties, even single molecules under study can be observed. Moreover QDs can be used for brain-targeted drug delivery.
Conclusion: In this review, the application of quantum dots for the brain research is considered and benefits that it can bring are discussed.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Utkin N. Yuri*, Brain and Quantum Dots: Benefits of Nanotechnology for Healthy and Diseased Brain, Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2018; 18 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871524918666180813141512
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871524918666180813141512 |
Print ISSN 1871-5249 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-6166 |

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Efficient Synthesis of 5-Arylmethyl-5-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (or 5-Arylmethyl-5-phenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one) from Chalcone Oxides Under Ultrasound Irradiation
Letters in Organic Chemistry Pharmacological Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
Current Psychiatry Reviews Validated Chromatographic Methods for Simultaneous Estimation of Cinnarizine in Binary Mixture with Domperidone and Paracetamol in Tablets
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis Hepatitis C Virus Clearance: The Enigma of Failure Despite an Impeccable Survival Strategy
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology The Therapeutic Potential of Sigma (σ) Receptors for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases: Evaluation of the Evidence
Current Pharmaceutical Design Age-Related Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Changes and Related Risk of Adverse Drug Reactions
Current Medicinal Chemistry Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom and Toxins: An Overview
Protein & Peptide Letters Neuropeptides as Possible Targets in Sleep Disorders: Special Emphasis on Hypocretin-Deficient Narcolepsy
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets A New Approach to Synthesis of Benzyl Cinnamate: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Investigation
Current Catalysis Annexins as Neuroprotective Agents in the Central Nervous System
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Central Nervous System Agents Classification of Human Pregnane X Receptor (hPXR) Activators and Non-Activators by Machine Learning Techniques: A Multifaceted Approach
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Human Brain Nicotinic Receptors, their Distribution and Participation in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders Journal Current Genomics: News and Editorial Prospects
Current Genomics Recent Advances in PUVA Photochemotherapy and PDT for the Treatment of Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Design Investigation of Novel Chemical Inhibitors of Human Lysosomal Acid Lipase: Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking Studies
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Influence of Impaired Liver Methionine Metabolism on the Development of Vascular Disease and Inflammation
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents HIV: A Raft-Targeting Approach for Prevention and Therapy Using Plant-Derived Compounds (Review)
Current Drug Targets Update on the Adverse Effects of Clozapine: Focus on Myocarditis
Current Drug Safety Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System in Heart Failure: Imaging Technique and Clinical Implications
Current Cardiology Reviews Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor as a Target for Chronic - Pain
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry