Cell labeling and cytotoxicity of aqueously synthesized CdTe/CdS/ZnS core-shell-shell quantum dots by a water bath-hydrothermal method

► CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs were synthesized via water-bathing combined hydrothermal method. ► The QDs show strong fluorescence and low cytotoxicity than CdTe and CdTe/CdS QDs. ► The QDs were conjugated with transferrins and used in HeLa cells labeling.