TY - JOUR
T1 - The uptake and intracellular fate of a series of different surface coated quantum dots in vitro
AU - Clift, M. J D
AU - Brandenberger, Christina
AU - Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara
AU - Brown, David M.
AU - Stone, Vicki
PY - 2011/6/8
Y1 - 2011/6/8
N2 - 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. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
AB - 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. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
KW - Cellular uptake
KW - Intracellular fate
KW - Macrophages
KW - Nanomedicine
KW - Nanoparticles
KW - Quantum dots
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79957881250&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tox.2011.05.006
DO - 10.1016/j.tox.2011.05.006
M3 - Article
SN - 0300-483X
VL - 286
SP - 58
EP - 68
JO - Toxicology
JF - Toxicology
IS - 1-3
ER -