Toxicity of quantum dots and cadmium salt to Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure.

ABSTRACT: To fully understand the biological and environmental impacts of nanomaterials requires studies that address both sublethal end points and multigenerational effects. Here, we use a nematode to examine these issues as they relate to exposure to two different types of quantum dots, core (CdSe) and core-shell (CdSe/ZnS), and to compare the effect to those observed after cadmium salt exposures. The strong fluorescence of the core-shell QDs allowed for the direct visualization of the materials in the digestive track within a few hours of exposure. Multiple end points, including both developmental and locomotive, were examined at QD exposures of low (10 mg/L Cd), medium (50 mg/L Cd), and high concentrations (100 mg/L Cd). While the core-shell QDs showed no effect on fitness (lifespan, fertility,

SUBMITTER: Contreras EQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3556816 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature