Nowadays, Quantum Plasmonics (QP) became a rapidly interesting research field that investigates the quantum properties of light and its interaction with matter at nano level. The main limitation in the usage of this technology was due to the extremely short-lived tend to dissipate that only serves for few millimeters which are unable to serve as a basis for computer chips that last for few centimeters across [1]. To overcome this disadvantage a material with a negative reflective index was used. However, there is no natural material with these properties, so nanosturctured materials such as quantum dots in the near-infrared region must be used to fabricate efficient plasmonic devices [2].
Herein, we investigated various kinds of quantum dots and their biological applications. Firstly, ultrasmall and near-infrared CdTe/Cds Core small/ shell thick with different emission wavelength (λmax = 630-810 nm) for tumor targeting in vivo. The tumor was well distinguished from other tissues with good fluorescent in contrast to other normal tissues, which confirmed the high biocompatibility and excellent targetability of these probes. Secondly, cadmium-free, environmentally friendly Copper Indium Sulphide quantum dots embedded into silica, possessed a stable near-infrared emission wavelength from 650-720 nm compatible for cancer cell targeting were successfully achieved. Furthermore, encapsulation of the addressed material into silica micelles with a relative ultra-small size compatible for cell imaging was carried out. The emission properties of the Copper Indium Sulphide quantum dots regarding the photoluminescent spectrum, quantum yield and the PL lifetime were maintained without remarkable red shifting due to the perfect silica coating layer which totally isolated them from environmental damage. Finally, a new strategy was adopted for label-free animal viruses detection and differentiation with small amounts and low concentrations of analyte using three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, exhibiting the potential as an effective SERS platform for viruses detection and biosensing.
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