Robust, non-cytotoxic, silica-coated CdSe quantum dots with efficient photoluminescence

Water-soluble quantum dots (QDs) have been prepared by encapsulation within silica via a reverse microemulsion (see Figure). The QDs display comparable quantum yields to ZnS-capped CdSe, but are much less toxic than organic-coated water-soluble QDs. This method could be used for QD applications such as in biological labeling and in photostable light-emitting devices.