Core: Fluorescent material.

 

Shell: Stabilises the core and prevents it from undergoing decay. Also helps passivate electron and hole traps, thereby increasing fluorescence.

 

However, the shell exterior is hydrophobic.

 

Functionaliser: Usually an amphiphilic ligand. The hydrophobic end binds to the shell. The hydrophilic end enables the quantum dot to interact with the aqueous environment of a human body.

 

Targeting Molecule: This molecule makes the Quantum Dot specific to cancerous tissue.