Although only 2 hydrocarbon chain lengths were investigated due to limitations in budget, an obvious trend whereby an increase in hydrocarbon chain length results in a decrease in fluorescence is observed, and such a phenomenon is well backed by TEM analysis. Even though no direct comparison was done between the two functional groups, it was easily observed that the general rule that a longer hydrocarbon chain length results in a lower fluorescence applied to both of them.

 

For application in bio-imaging to combat cancer, Quantum Dots coated with ligands of shorter hydrocarbon chain lengths should be used. This would allow higher fluorescence of the Quantum Dots and hence clearer distinction between healthy and cancerous tissue during surgery and earlier detection of cancerous growth or metastasis.

 

Further studies will be aimed at determining the quantum yield instead of the fluorescence of Quantum Dots as the former takes into account the entire spectrum of wavelengths and hence provides a better indication of the optical efficiency. The Quantum Dot coated with the ligand that gives rise to the highest optical efficiency will also be used for bio-conjugation studies.