Marcello Garbo

This work engineers nanoscale semiconductor particles that emit in the near-infrared, a spectral range that enables deeper, less scattered imaging in biological tissue. By controlling their layered structure and synthesis, it reduces surface defects that limit brightness and stability. These insights establish design principles for low-toxicity nanomaterials suited for advanced biomedical imaging.

Our mission is to design and understand safer, high-performance quantum dots that emit in the near-infrared, a region of light that enables deeper, higher-contrast imaging in biological tissue. We focus on indium arsenide (InAs) nanocrystals as a low-toxicity alternative to conventional heavy-metal–based materials, while addressing their typical limitations in brightness and stability. By developing an indium phosphide (InP) nanocluster–mediated shelling strategy, we precisely control the growth of protective layers that reduce surface defects and improve optical performance. An additional ZnSe outer shell enhances chemical robustness and provides a platform for surface functionalization in biological environments. Through this approach, we aim to produce nanocrystals with high photoluminescence efficiency, narrow emission profiles, and long-term stability. Ultimately, this work establishes design principles for biocompatible quantum dots that can rival traditional emitters, enabling safer and more effective probes for biomedical imaging and related optoelectronic applications.