Abstract
Background: Considerable interest is observed in the usage of nanomaterials in medicine and medical diagnostics. Quantum dots powerful fluorescent probes, seem to be interesting agents for medical imaging that could be used to label cells for cellular tracing as well as for traceable drug/gene delivery. It is expected that their use can be crucial in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of drug candidates. However, their widespread and safe use must be preceded by examination of their toxicity.
Method: A group of quantum dots (CdS, CdSe, CdTe), which contains cadmium ions in its core composition has been chosen for biological activity studies – examination the effect of surface chemistry for their toxicity (MTT test).
Result: Quantum dots usually are hydrophobic due to inorganic core with chains of hydrophobic ligands (TOP/TOPO) remaining after synthesis. Exchange of the ligand for the hydrophilic one enables dispersion of QD in water, application to the living organisms and assessment of their influence using in vitro models. In this study, we report how modification of the surface of CdX quantum dots (with and without ZnS coating) affects their biological activity.
Conclusion: Three different ligands (cysteine, dihydrolipoic acid-DHLA, and mercaptoundecanoic acid-MUA) and two cell lines MRC-5 and A549 (similar origin and function, different proliferation – one was normal, another was carcinoma) were used to test thoroughly biological activity of surface- modified CdX quantum dots.
Keywords: Quantum dots, nanocrystals, CdX, cytotoxicity, cell culture, surface modification.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of nanomaterials in fabrication of coatings, Machining and Joining
The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
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