Quantum Dots to diagnose mental diseases

The ICIQ and the Institut Pere Mata collaborate in research on the use of semiconductor nanoparticles to facilitate the diagnosis of mental disorders. In this first phase, the work focuses on laboratory tests with Quantum dots (QDs). QDs are semiconductor nanoparticles with optical and electrical properties.

“The QDs have different and unique photonic properties which allows highly sensitive and very useful optical measurements for the determination of proteins and other biological molecules relevant in diseases such as Alzheimer or schizophrenia” –says Prof. Emilio Palomares.

The first laboratory tests have been carried out for a protein called DDR1. This protein plays an important role in certain mental diseases such as schizophrenia. Initial experiments with QDs and DDR1 have been successful and demonstrate the potential of these nanomaterials.

Fluorescent microscope visualization of DDR1 in human cells that produce myelin.

Media coverage:

• La Vanguardia
• ABC