Quantum dot nanotoxicity investigations using human lung cells and toxor electrochemical enzyme assay methodology
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that certain
nanomaterials can interfere with optically based cytotoxicity
assays resulting in underestimations of nanomaterial toxicity. As
a result there has been growing interest in the use of whole cell
electrochemical biosensors for nanotoxicity applications. Herein
we report application of an electrochemical cytotoxicity assay
developed in house (TOXOR) in the evaluation of toxic effects
of mercaptosuccinic acid capped cadmium telluride quantum
dots (MSA capped CdTe QDs), toward mammalian cells. MSA
capped CdTe QDs were synthesized, characterized, and their
cytotoxicity toward A549 human lung epithelial cells investigated. The internalization of QDs within cells was scrutinized
via confocal microscopy.