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Igor L Medintz1, Hedi Mattoussi2, Aaron R Clapp31Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA; 2Optical Sciences Division, Code 5611, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA; 3Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USAAbstract: The use of luminescent colloidal quantum dots in biological investigations has increased dramatically over the past several years due to their unique size-dependent optical properties and recent advances in biofunctionalization. In this review, we describe the methods for generating high-quality nanocrystals and report on current and potential uses of these versatile materials. Numerous examples are provided in several key areas including cell labeling, biosensing, in vivo imaging, bimodal magnetic-luminescent imaging, and diagnostics. We also explore toxicity issues surrounding these materials and speculate about the future uses of quantum dots in a clinical setting.Keywords: quantum dot, nanoparticle, biosensor, fluorescence, imaging, immunoassay, toxicity, FRET