Sponsor: Quantum Dot Corporation

• Project duration: 10/1/2004 - 9/30/2007
• Total project (est.): $2,888,524
• Requested ATP funds: $2,000,000

Fluorescent labels called quantum dots have been commercialized over the past two years enabling biological and medical researchers to track individual molecules in living cells, image the anatomy and flow within the blood vessels in live animals, track single cells for days in living and in vitro systems, and detect cancer markers with unprecedented sensitivity. Quantum dots are nanoscale crystals of semiconductors that behave as single "super atoms," whose emission color can be conveniently changed by making the particles larger or smaller. The use of these first fruits of the nanotechnology vanguard has been hampered because they contain cadmium, a heavy metal of concern among world governments, particularly in applications requiring use in humans or bulk produced items that end up in landfills. Quantum Dot Corporation proposes to develop new classes of quantum dots without this limitation, as well as a continuous flow process for producing nanomaterials in general at a thousand-fold increase to current scale, resulting in a ten-fold decrease in cost. The company also will develop novel approaches to materials characterization that are appropriate to complex nanoscale systems, and new toxicity testing methods and standards, both applicable industry wide. Toxicity testing will be conducted both in vitro and in animals. The ATP funding is needed because of the highly multi-disciplinary nature of the work (materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, medicinal science, toxicology) and because the research is at too early a stage to attract private or medical institutional investment; ATP support will accelerate the research by at least three years. If successfully developed, these next-generation quantum dots will allow, for the first time, direct imaging of small numbers of dying cells in degenerative eye diseases, and reduce the time frame for testing ocular drugs from 10 years to less than one. The new materials also will greatly enhance imaging during surgical removal of lymph nodes associated with cancerous tumors, improving the prognosis for cancer patients and saving lives while simultaneously reducing the cost and training required for the procedures. In addition to the healthcare benefits, the project will advance the field of nanotechnology and has the potential for spin-off benefits in a range of consumer products such as bright, low-power electronic displays, and bright white light-emitting diodes.

For project information:

Andy R. Watson, (510) 887-877 x4106
ARWatson@qdots.com

ATP Project Manager

Thomas Wiggins, 301-975-5416
thomas.wiggins@nist.gov

This is the fact sheet for this project as it was announced on September 28, 2004.
Click here for the latest version of this fact sheet.
Visit the Advanced Technology Program Home Page