Quantum Materials Corp. (QMC) has developed a new class of cadmium-free, non-heavy metal tetrapod quantum dots (NHM-TPQDs) to address global concerns regarding nanoparticle biocompatibility and sustainability.

“While our cadmium-based high-brightness tetrapod quantum dots are unparalleled in photovoltaic solar cell applications and especially for commercializing high-value, small-quantity in vitro research and lab applications, our non-heavy metal tetrapod quantum dot answers the world’s ecological and in vivo human toxicological concerns for mass-produced QD in the biotech and other fields of science,” said QMC CEO and founder Stephen Squires.

QMC produces industrial-scale quantities of NHM-TPQD using proprietary continuous-flow chemistry processes with more than 90 percent tetrapod shape and size uniformity. The new availability will spur development of products and applications in next-generation displays, sensors, biomedical research, diagnostics and drug delivery, security and conductive inks, solid-state lighting and photovoltaic solar cells, currently under development by QMC subsidiary Solterra Renewable Technologies, the company said.

The company collaborated with NanoAxis LLC in 2011 to develop tetrapod quantum dot-based cancer diagnostic kits and theranostic applications, including Alzheimer’s, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and major depression.

For more information, visit: www.qmcdots.com