Abstract
Cellular uptake of quantum dots (QDs) by cells is of utmost importance for establishing QDs as biostable fluorescent markers that facilitate early diagnosis and detection of cancer. The surface states of QDs are critical to enhance the cellular uptake. Biocompatible CDSe QDs were synthesized using mercaptopropionic acid, amino-ethanethiol HCl, cyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI), and sodium dodecyl sulfate were functionalized using ligand-exchange method. Cytocompatibility and cellular uptake of QDs were evaluated in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-29), and breast cancer cells (MCF-7) as reduced cytotoxicity is desirable for biological applications. Approximately, 60 % cytotoxicity was observed in all surface-coated QDs and QD100 in 72 h in both the cell lines, except TBAI that indicated 30 % cytotoxicity in 72 h, and only 10 % in 24 h. Glutathione, the detoxifying molecule, is detrimental for understanding the oxidative stress of the cell. The QDs showed enhanced Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the MCF-7 cell line. In HEK, CdSe per se was also able to induce a high level of GST. QDs toxicity may either be related to the induction of reactive oxygen species or the direct release of metal ions. Optimization of QDs in terms of quantification and DNA damage is imperative for realistic biological applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
