title: The uptake and intracellular fate of a series of different surface coated quantum dots in vitro.
abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are potentially beneficial semi-conductor nanocrystals for use in diagnostics and therapeutics. The chemical composition of QDs however, has raised concerns as to their potential toxicity. Although a thorough examination using specific biochemical endpoints is necessary to assess QD toxicity, an understanding of the interaction of QDs, specifically their uptake and intracellular fate, with biological systems is also essential in determining their potential hazardous effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake and intracellular fate of a series of different surface coated QDs (organic, carboxylated (COOH) and amino (NH₂) polyethylene glycol (PEG)) in J774.A1 'murine macrophage-like' cells. Model 20 nm and 200 nm COOH polystyrene beads (PBs) were also studied. Results showed that COOH and NH₂ (PEG) QDs, as well as 20 nm and 200 nm PBs were located within lysosomes and the mitochondria of macrophages after 2 h. Additionally, elemental transmission electron microscopy confirmed both COOH and NH₂ (PEG) QDs to be located within membrane-bound compartments at this time point. The data from this study combined with current knowledge, indicates that the intracellular localisation of QDs could be directly related to their toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Research, Division of Pneumology, Inselspital University Hospital, University of Bern, Postfach 44, Bern 3008, Switzerland. martin.clift@ana.unibe.ch
authors.forename: Martin J D
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Clift
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brandenberger
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rothen-Rutishauser
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stone
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D045663:Quantum Dots
chemical_list: D011137:Polystyrenes; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols