{
  "abstract": "Cadmium (Cd)-based quantum dots (QDs), noted for their size-tunable optoelectronic properties and remarkable photoluminescence, have attracted considerable interest and found widespread commercial applications. Preparation methods for Cd-based QDs typically involve harsh, environmentally hazardous chemical and/or physical processes, whereas microbial biosynthesis offers a sustainable, green alternative. This review provides an overview of microbial production of Cd-based QDs (cadmium sulfide (CdS), cadmium selenide (CdSe), and cadmium telluride (CdTe)) using wild-type and genetically engineered bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with particular attention to the underlying biosynthesis mechanisms. Key proteins and peptides implicated in catalyzing or promoting QD biosynthesis include cystathionine γ-lyase, threonine dehydratase, sulfide-quinone reductase, phytochelatin (oligoglutathione peptides), and other metal-binding proteins such as metallothionein. The roles of capping agents (e.g., phosphates, L-cysteine, and glutathione), Cd (II) efflux genes, and extracellular polymeric substances are discussed. The application of this process in hazardous waste bioremediation, whereby Cd- or sulfur-containing waste is converted into valuable Cd-based QDs, is also addressed. Diverse applications are summarized, including QD-sensitized solar cells, fluorescent labeling, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and CdS-bacterial hybrid systems enabling photosynthetic production of organic compounds. This review contributes to a better understanding of Cd-based QD biosynthesis, although further efforts are needed to control synthesis and address biosafety concerns.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China"
  ],
  "article_type": null,
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 2,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Xiaoju Li",
      "orcid": "0000-0001-7305-7313"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Jianqun Lin"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/ebz1kehwfwhv6.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3390/molecules31203746",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "ebz1kehwfwhv6",
  "issns": [
    "1420-3049"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/20/3746",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "2505|Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7222938267",
  "pdf_url": null,
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-10-19",
  "publisher": "MDPI AG",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/ebz1kehwfwhv6.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:18:42Z",
      "native_id": "10.3390/molecules31203746",
      "source": "crossref",
      "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/20/3746"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "chemistry",
      "origin": "openalex:2505|Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties",
      "subfield": "materials-polymers"
    }
  ],
  "title": "A Review on the Microbial Synthesis of Cadmium-Based Quantum Dots and Their Applications",
  "title_text": "A Review on the Microbial Synthesis of Cadmium-Based Quantum Dots and Their Applications",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:18:42Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/ebz1kehwfwhv6",
  "venue": "Molecules",
  "versions": []
}