1
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Guan S, Tang M. Exposure of quantum dots in the nervous system: Central nervous system risks and the blood-brain barrier interface. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:936-952. [PMID: 38062852 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Quantum dots currently possess significant importance in the field of biomedical science. Upon introduction into the body, quantum dots exhibit a tendency to accumulate in diverse tissues including the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, it becomes imperative to devote specific attention to their potential toxic effects. Moreover, the preservation of optimal CNS function relies heavily on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, thereby necessitating its prioritization in neurotoxicological investigations. A more comprehensive understanding of the BBB and CNS characteristics, along with the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to neurotoxicity, will greatly aid researchers in the development of effective design strategies. This article offers an in-depth look at the methods used to reduce the harmful effects of quantum dots on the nervous system, alongside the progression of effective treatments for brain-related conditions. The focal point of this discussion is the BBB and its intricate association with the CNS and neurotoxicology. The discourse commences by recent advancements in the medical application of quantum dots are examined. Subsequently, elucidating the mechanisms through which quantum dots infiltrate the human body and traverse into the brain. Additionally, the discourse delves into the factors that facilitate the passage of quantum dots across the BBB, primarily encompassing the physicochemical properties of quantum dots and the BBB's inherent capacity for self-permeability alteration. Furthermore, a concluding summary is presented, emphasizing existing research deficiencies and identifying promising avenues for further investigation within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Guan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Fang Q, Tang M. Oxidative stress-induced neurotoxicity of quantum dots and influencing factors. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:1013-1028. [PMID: 38606672 PMCID: PMC11225328 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) have significant potential for treating and diagnosing CNS diseases. Meanwhile, the neurotoxicity of QDs has garnered attention. In this review, we focus on elucidating the mechanisms and consequences of CNS oxidative stress induced by QDs. First, we discussed the pathway of QDs transit into the brain. We then elucidate the relationship between QDs and oxidative stress from in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, the main reasons and adverse outcomes of QDs leading to oxidative stress are discussed. In addition, the primary factors that may affect the neurotoxicity of QDs are analyzed. Finally, we propose potential strategies for mitigating QDs neurotoxicity and outline future perspectives for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
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3
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Lin X, Chen T. A Review of in vivo Toxicity of Quantum Dots in Animal Models. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:8143-8168. [PMID: 38170122 PMCID: PMC10759915 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s434842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tremendous research efforts have been devoted to nanoparticles for applications in optoelectronics and biomedicine. Over the past decade, quantum dots (QDs) have become one of the fastest growing areas of research in nanotechnology because of outstanding photophysical properties, including narrow and symmetrical emission spectrum, broad fluorescence excitation spectrum, the tenability of the emission wavelength with the particle size and composition, anti-photobleaching ability and stable fluorescence. These characteristics are suitable for optical imaging, drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Research on QDs toxicology has demonstrated QDs affect or damage the biological system to some extent, and this situation is generally caused by the metal ions and some special properties in QDs, which hinders the further application of QDs in the biomedical field. The toxicological mechanism mainly stems from the release of heavy metal ions and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). At the same time, the contact reaction with QDs also cause disorders in organelles and changes in gene expression profiles. In this review, we try to present an overview of the toxicity and related toxicity mechanisms of QDs in different target organs. It is believed that the evaluation of toxicity and the synthesis of environmentally friendly QDs are the primary issues to be addressed for future widespread applications. However, considering the many different types and potential modifications, this review on the potential toxicity of QDs is still not clearly elucidated, and further research is needed on this meaningful topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotan Lin
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, DongGuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Family Planning, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, DongGuan, People’s Republic of China
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Ma N, Lu Y, Wang J, Liang X, Dong S, Zhao L. Role of CdTe quantum dots on peripheral Immunocytes and selenoprotein P: immunotoxicity at the molecular and cellular levels. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:1041-1050. [PMID: 38145088 PMCID: PMC10734625 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive product and application of cadmium-quantum dots (Cd-QDs), one kind of semiconductor nanomaterials, lead to prolonged exposure to the environment. Cd-QDs have shown good properties in biomedical and imaging-related fields; the safety of Cd-QDs limits the application of these materials and technologies, however. The systematic distribution of CdTe QDs in organisms has been ascertained in previous studies. Nevertheless, it is relatively less reported about the toxicity of CdTe QDs to immune macromolecules and organs. Based on this, immunocytes (including lymphocyte subsets-CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, splenocytes) and selenoprotein P (SelP) were chosen as targets for CdTe QDs immunotoxicity studies. Results indicate that CdTe QDs induced cytotoxicity to CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and splenocytes by reducing cell viability and causing apoptosis as CdTe QDs and Cd2+ enter cells. At the molecular level, the direct interaction between CdTe QDs and SelP is proved by multispectral measurements, which demonstrated the alteration of protein structure. The combined results show that CdTe QDs induced adverse effects on the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels. This research contributes to a better understanding of CdTe QDs cause harmful damage to the immune system and provides new strategies for the inhibition and treatment of health damages caused by CdTe QDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Ma
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180# Wusi East Road, Baoding, Hebei 071002, P.R. China
| | - Yudie Lu
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180# Wusi East Road, Baoding, Hebei 071002, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, Shandong 264005, P.R. China
| | - Xueyou Liang
- Biochemical Department, Baoding University, 180# Wusi East Road, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Sijun Dong
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180# Wusi East Road, Baoding, Hebei 071002, P.R. China
| | - Lining Zhao
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, 180# Wusi East Road, Baoding, Hebei 071002, P.R. China
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5
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Wang J, Yang B, Yu X, Chen S, Li W, Hong X. The impact of Zn doping on CdTe quantum dots-protein corona formation and the subsequent toxicity at the molecular and cellular level. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 373:110370. [PMID: 36731594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the formation of protein corona (PC) is of vital importance for exploring the toxicity of nanoparticles and promoting their safe applications. In this study, CdTe QDs doping with 0, 1%, 5% and 10% Zn were synthesized using one-pot hydrothermal methods. Afterwards, this study explored and compared the formation of pure and Zn doped-QDs PC as well as the subsequent molecular and cellular toxicity. Result found that Zn doping regulated the toxicity of Cd-QDs by controlling their ability to adsorb serum proteins. The adsorption to Cd-QDs induced the dispersion, unfolding, secondary structural changes and the activity loss of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Among the synthesized Cd-QDs, 10%Zn-QDs exhibited the highest fluorescence quantum yield and lowest molecular toxicity. The formations of pure QDs and 10%Zn-QDs with BSA corona are majorly driven by different forces with different patterns. The regulation of BSA on the cytotoxicity differences of pure QDs and 10%Zn-QDs was similar with fetal bovine serum, proving the significant contribution of BSA to the cytotoxicity of Cd-QDs PC. Compared with pure QDs PC, the higher cytotoxicity and oxidative stress level of 10%Zn-QDs PC were correlated with higher intracellular [Cd2+]. Both larger amount of BSA adsorption and higher level of intracellular reactive oxygen species could accelerate the dissolution rates of 10%Zn-QDs and thus result in higher intracellular [Cd2+].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
| | - Bin Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xinping Yu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Shuji Chen
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Wenxin Li
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xu Hong
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
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Wang J, Feng S, Sheng Q, Liu R. Influence of InP/ZnS Quantum Dots on Thermodynamic Properties and Morphology of the DPPC/DPPG Monolayers at Different Temperatures. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031118. [PMID: 36770784 PMCID: PMC9920855 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, the effects of InP/ZnS quantum dots modified with amino or carboxyl group on the characteristic parameters in phase behavior, elastic modulus, relaxation time of the DPPC/DPPG mixed monolayers are studied by the Langmuir technology at the temperature of 37, 40 and 45 °C. Additionally, the information on the morphology and height of monolayers are obtained by the Langmuir-Bloggett technique and atomic force microscope technique. The results suggest that the modification of the groups can reduce the compressibility of monolayers at a higher temperature, and the most significant effect is the role of the amino group. At a high temperature of 45 °C, the penetration ability of InP/ZnS-NH2 quantum dots in the LC phase of the mixed monolayer is stronger. At 37 °C and 40 °C, there is no clear difference between the penetration ability of InP/ZnS-NH2 quantum dots and InP/ZnS-COOH quantum dots. The InP/ZnS-NH2 quantum dots can prolong the recombination of monolayers at 45 °C and accelerate it at 37 °C and 40 °C either in the LE phase or in the LC phase. However, the InP/ZnS-COOH quantum dots can accelerate it in the LE phase at all temperatures involved but only prolong it at 45 °C in the LC phase. This work provides support for understanding the effects of InP/ZnS nanoparticles on the structure and properties of cell membranes, which is useful for understanding the behavior about the ingestion of nanoparticles by cells and the cause of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Controllable Neutron Source, School of Electronic Information, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, China
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Shun Feng
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Controllable Neutron Source, School of Electronic Information, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, China
| | - Qingqing Sheng
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Controllable Neutron Source, School of Electronic Information, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, China
| | - Ruilin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (R.L.)
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Wang J, Yu X, Zheng X. Influence of zinc doping on the molecular biocompatibility of cadmium-based quantum dots: Insights from the interaction with trypsin. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 351:109716. [PMID: 34688612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Doping quantum dots (QDs) with extra element presents a promising future for their applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, commercial products and biomedical sciences. However, it remains unknown for the influence of doping on the molecular biocompatibility of QDs and the underlying mechanisms of the interaction between doped-QDs and protein molecules. Using the "one-pot" method, we synthesized N-acetyl-l-cysteine capped CdTe: Zn2+ QDs with higher fluorescence quantum yield, improved stability and better molecular biocompatibility compared with undoped CdTe QDs. Using digestive enzyme trypsin (TRY) as the protein model, the interactions of undoped QDs and Zn-doped QDs with TRY as well as the underlying mechanisms were investigated using multi-spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and dialysis techniques. Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds are the major driving forces in the interaction of both QDs with TRY, which leading to the loosening of protein skeleton and tertiary structural changes. Compared with undoped QDs, Zn-doped QDs bind less amount of TRY with a higher affinity and then release higher amount of Cd. Zn-doped QDs have a less stimulating impact on TRY activity by decreasing TRY binding and reducing Cd binding to TRY. Taken all together, Zn-doped QDs offer a safer alternative for the applications of QDs by reducing unwanted interactions with proteins and improving biocompatibility at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
| | - Xinping Yu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zheng
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai, 264005, PR China
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Yu X, Zheng X, Yang B, Wang J. Investigating the interaction of CdTe quantum dots with plasma protein transferrin and their interacting consequences at the molecular and cellular level. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:434-440. [PMID: 34197848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the interacting mechanism of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with typical plasma protein transferrin (TF) as well as the impact of the formation of QDs-TF complex on the structure of TF and the cytotoxicity of mouse primary kidney cells. Dialysis experiments and cell viability assays revealed that the formation of QDs-TF complex reduced the contents of Cd released from CdTe QDs and thus counteracted the cytotoxicity of CdTe QDs. The assay of isothermal titration calorimetry found that CdTe QDs complexed with TF majorly through hydrophobic interaction. Multi-spectroscopic measurements showed that CdTe QDs caused the loosening of polypeptide chain, the changes of secondary and tertiary structures as well as the attenuated aggregation of TF molecule. Moreover, these structural and conformational changes were attributed to the nano-effects of CdTe QDs rather than the released Cd. This study is of great significance for fully evaluating the biocompatibility of Cd-QDs and comprehensively understanding the mechanism of Cd-QDs toxicity at the molecular and cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Yu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zheng
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Bin Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, 30# Qingquan Road, Yantai 264005, PR China.
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Gao S, Li T, Pan J, Han D, Lin J, Niu Q, Liu R. Toxic effect and mechanism of ultrafine carbon black on mouse primary splenocytes and two digestive enzymes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:111980. [PMID: 33545408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.111980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigated the toxic effect and mechanism of ultrafine carbon black (UFCB) on splenocytes and enzymes in the digestive system. It was found that the toxicity of UFCB to splenocytes was dose-dependent. UFCB with a low concentration (<15 μg/mL) had no significant effect on splenocytes while UFCB with high concentration (>15 μg/mL) induced significant oxidative damage with increased content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (134%) and malonaldehyde (MDA) (222.3%) along with the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (55.63%) and catalase (CAT) (87.73%). Analysis combined cellular and molecular levels indicated that UFCB induced splenocyte toxicity through oxidative stress. The interactions of UFCB with two important digestive enzymes, α-amylase and lipase, were also studied respectively. Results showed that the interaction of UFCB and the two enzymes altered the particle size and fluorescence intensity in both experimental systems. The formation of protein corona also resulted in the contraction of the polypeptide skeleton in both enzymes, which further inhibited their activity. Our work provided basic data on the toxicity of UFCB in the spleen and digestive system and fills the gap in the study of UFPs toxicity. CAPSULE: UFCB induced splenocyte toxicity and enzyme dysfunction through oxidative stress and protein corona formation respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tong Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jie Pan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dengcheng Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jing Lin
- North China Sea Data & Information Service of SOA, 27# Yunling Road, Laoshan, Qingdao 266061, PR China
| | - Qigui Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, Shandong, PR China.
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Wang Z, Tang M. The cytotoxicity of core-shell or non-shell structure quantum dots and reflection on environmental friendly: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110593. [PMID: 33352186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots are widely applicated into bioindustry and research owing to its superior properties such as broad excitation spectra, narrow bandwidth emission spectra and high resistance to photo-bleaching. However, the toxicity of quantum dots should not be underestimated and aroused widespread concern. The surface properties and size of quantum dots are critical relevant properties on toxicity. Then, the core/shell structure becomes one common way to affect the activity of quantum dots such as enhance biocompatibility and stability. Except those toxicity it induced, the problem it brought into the environment such as the degradation of quantum dot similarly becomes a hot issue. This review initially took a brief scan of current research on the cytotoxicity of QDs and the mechanism behind that over the past five years. Mainly discussion concentrated on the diversity of structure on quantum dots whether played a key role on the cytotoxicty of quantum dots. It also discussed the role of different shells with metal or nonmetal cores and the influence on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Hu L, Zhong H, He Z. Toxicity evaluation of cadmium-containing quantum dots: A review of optimizing physicochemical properties to diminish toxicity. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 200:111609. [PMID: 33588242 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have received extensive attention because of their excellent optical properties and wide utilization in biological and biomedical areas. Nonetheless, there have been intense concerns on the cytotoxicity assessment of cadmium-containing QDs due to free cadmium ions release and nano-size effects. This paper reviews the representative synthetic strategies for preparation of cadmium-containing QDs and their applications. Then the toxicity assessments of QDs from cell studies to animal models are discussed, which can aid in improving our understanding of the cytotoxicity of QDs, and the toxicity mechanism is proposed. Several critical physicochemical properties of QDs are discussed and suggestions are provided for optimizing QDs design in view of minimal cytotoxicity. Finally, accurate detection techniques and systematic methodologies for the toxicity assessment of QDs are expected to achieve further breakthroughs in the future, especially in-situ, real-time, and rapid quantitative analysis methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410012, China.
| | - Zhiguo He
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biohydrometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
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