title: Evidence of three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots in an aquatic food chain by using bioimaging.
abstract: In this study, we demonstrated the three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots (QDs) within the aquatic food chain. Using bioimaging, we observed QD transfer from protozoa (Astasia longa) to zooplankton (Moina macrocopa) to fish (Danio rerio). Bioimaging is an effective tool that can improve our understanding of the delivery of nanomaterials in vivo. Measurement with an intravital multiphoton laser scanning microscope visually proved the transfer of QDs from the first to the second and the second to the third levels. As QDs may be passed from lower organisms to humans via the food chain, our findings have implications for the safety of their use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University , 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul , Korea.
authors.forename: Woo-Mi
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Youn-Joo
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: An
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020387:Food Chain; D045663:Quantum Dots; D015027:Zebrafish; D015048:Zooplankton
keywords: Bioaccumulation; bioimaging; quantum dots; trophic transfer