Polymer nanospheres for quantum dot encapsulation

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Global Synchem Ltd. (GSL) is a Vancouver-based privately held company that develops luminescent materialsbased on semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). Upon excitation with light or a driving voltage, thesenanoparticles emit bright light with a narrow spectral linewidth, and are useful in many diverse applicationswhere photonic materials are required. These include displays, biomedical diagnostics, photovoltaics, andbatteries, with additional applications in telecommunications and computing. GSL is presently aiming tocommercialize biocompatible QDs encapsulated in a polymer shell, primarily for use in medical diagnosticsand imaging. By partnering with Prof. Zachary Hudson's laboratory at the University of British Columbia, GSLintends to develop water-soluble polymer formulations for the encapsulation and delivery of luminescentquantum dots. This project aims to create environmentally friendly materials capable of transporting QDs to thesite of imaging in aqueous solution using well-defined, near-monodisperse polymer carriers. Both polymersynthesis and luminescent materials are key aspects of Prof. Hudson's research program, and his expertise willcomplement the experience in nanomaterials of GSL's research team.