Linking Subcellular Disturbance to Physiological Behavior and Toxicity Induced by Quantum Dots in Caenorhabditis elegans. Issue 23 (28th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Qin; Zhou, Yanfeng; Song, Bin; Zhong, Yiling; Wu, Sicong; Cui, Rongrong; Cong, Haixia; Su, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Huimin; He, Yao
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 12:Issue 23(2016)
• Page Start: 3143
• Page End: 3154
• Publication Date: 2016-04-28
• Subjects: C. elegans -- mechanism -- quantum dots -- subcellular -- toxicity; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201600766
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract : The wide‐ranging applications of fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have triggered increasing concerns about their biosafety. Most QD‐related toxicity studies focus on the subcellular processes in cultured cells or global physiological effects on whole animals. However, it is unclear how QDs affect subcellular processes in living organisms, or how the subcellular disturbance contributes to the overall toxicity. Here the behavior and toxicity of QDs of three different sizes in Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans ) are systematically investigated at both the systemic and the subcellular level. Specifically, clear size‐dependent distribution and toxicity of the QDs in the digestive tract are observed. Short‐term exposure of QDs leads to acute toxicity on C. elegans, yet incurring no lasting, irreversible damage. In contrast, chronic exposure of QDs severely inhibits development and shortens lifespan. Subcellular analysis reveals that endocytosis and nutrition storage are disrupted by QDs, which likely accounts for the severe deterioration in growth and longevity. This work reveals that QDs invasion disrupts key subcellular processes in living organisms, and may cause permanent damage to the tissues and organs over long‐term retention. The findings provide invaluable information for safety evaluations of QD‐based applications and offer new opportunities for design of novel nontoxic nanoprobes. Abstract : The behavior and toxicity of three‐sized quantum dots (QDs) in Caenorhabditis elegans are systematically investigated at both the systemic and the subcellular level. Clear size‐dependent distribution and toxicity of the QDs are observed. QDs can impair endocytosis and nutrition storage, which in turn reduces the growth rate and lifespan of C. elegans .