title: Mitigation of quantum dot cytotoxicity by microencapsulation.
abstract: When CdSe/ZnS-polyethyleneimine (PEI) quantum dots (QDs) are microencapsulated in polymeric microcapsules, human fibroblasts are protected from acute cytotoxic effects. Differences in cellular morphology, uptake, and viability were assessed after treatment with either microencapsulated or unencapsulated dots. Specifically, QDs contained in microcapsules terminated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) mitigate contact with and uptake by cells, thus providing a tool to retain particle luminescence for applications such as extracellular sensing and imaging. The microcapsule serves as the "first line of defense" for containing the QDs. This enables the individual QD coating to be designed primarily to enhance the function of the biosensor.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Program of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romoser
authors.forename: Dustin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: Ravish
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Majitha
authors.forename: Kenith E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Meissner
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McShane
authors.forename: Christie M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Sayes
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D019187:Cadmium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death; D004339:Drug Compounding; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011094:Polyethyleneimine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D045663:Quantum Dots; D018036:Selenium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D018036:Selenium Compounds; D013440:Sulfides; D017967:Zinc Compounds; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011094:Polyethyleneimine; C058667:cadmium selenide; C031238:zinc sulfide