A Review on the Microbial Synthesis of Cadmium-Based Quantum Dots and Their Applications
- 1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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.
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BibTeX
@article{li2026review,
title = {{A Review on the Microbial Synthesis of Cadmium-Based Quantum Dots and Their Applications}},
author = {Xiaoju Li and Jianqun Lin},
journal = {Molecules},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/molecules31203746},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/20/3746},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A Review on the Microbial Synthesis of Cadmium-Based Quantum Dots and Their Applications
AU - Xiaoju Li
AU - Jianqun Lin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Molecules
DO - 10.3390/molecules31203746
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/31/20/3746
AB - 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.
SN - 1420-3049
ER -