biostudies-literatureContreras EQNHGRI NIH HHS1148-54https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3556816biostudies-literatureUnknown47(2)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, Environmental science & technologyToxicity of quantum dots and cadmium salt to Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure.PMC3556816R00 HG004724R00HG004724Escalera GContreras EQCho MZhong WColvin VLZhu HPuppala HLfalseToxicity of quantum dots and cadmium salt to Caenorhabditis elegans after multigenerational exposure.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, 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z2013 Jan2025-04-26T10:46:46Z2019-03-27T01:03:53ZS-EPMC35568162324120710.1021/es3036785