The semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots or QDs), in the form of aqueous colloidal dispersions, were used as probes for the indirect determination of flavonoids. The special characteristics of these materials, due to the quantum confinement effect achieved in structures whose dimensions are of the order of a few nm, in diameter, result in unique photophysical properties that can be changed by adjusting the size and/or by surface modification of these nanocrystals. Since flavonoids do not present natural fluorescence, CdS nanoparticles modified with 2-mercaptopropionic acid (2MPA-CdS QDs probe) and CdTe modified with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA-CdTe QDs probe) have been synthesized in colloidal aqueous phase and used for indirect determination of rutin (RUT) and quercetin (QUE) by measuring the photoluminescence decreasing from the probes. The use of QDs as probes for the quantification of these compounds has allowed the quick and simple photoluminescence measurements without the need for complex chemical derivatization procedures, usually indicated in these cases. It was found, through the Stern-Volmer model, that the photoluminescence of the 2MPA-CdS QDs is attenuated by the presence of RUT, and such a signal suppression was proportional to the concentration of analyte in colloidal dispersion (linear response range between 0,5 to 4.0 x 10-5 mol L-1), with limit of detection (LOD) of 1.2 x 10-6 mol L-1. It was also observed that photoluminescence suppression was a combination of the contribution of inner filter effect (due to partial radiation absorption by the analyte at the wavelength of excitation) and static supression (from the binding and energy exchange between analyte and QDs). The method was used to the selective determination of RUT in pharmaceutical formulation and in simulated samples containing QUE/RUT and/or saliva fortified with RUT. For these former two samples, thin layer chromatography was used to establish prior separation of components. The selectivity towards other flavonoids was also evaluated. The 3MPA-CdTe QDs probe was used to determine QUE in original dispersion and in dispersion containing surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or CTAB). QUE was quantified in a non-organized environment (without surfactant) and the method was applied for the analysis in supplement containing QUE and ascorbic acid and for the analysis of purple and yellow onions. Thin layer chromatography was used in order to separate interfering present in onions. The Stern-Volmer model was used to establish a linear relationship between the photoluminescence measurement of the QDs dispersion and the amount of QUE added into the dispersion. The analytical curve covered the range of concentrations between 0.5 to 6.0 x 10-5 mol L-1 of QUE with LD 0.5 x 10-5 mol L-1. Studies indicate that the nature of formed quenching is static. Finally, a systematic study of the interaction between various flavonoids and CdTe-3MPA QDs was studied in order to establish the CTAB surfactant function in the interaction between probe and quencher. It was observed more signal stability of the probe in this medium, and interactions distinct analyte-QDs from those obtained in the absence of surfactant.