Effects of Quantum Dot Labeling on Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function and Viability.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) play an important role in repairing damaged endothelium. An effective imaging method for in vivo tracking of EPCs is essential for understanding EPC-based cell therapy. Fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have attractive optical characteristics such as extreme brightness and photostability.