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Phototoxicity Generated by Silicon Quantum Dot Nanoparticles on Zebrafish Embryos
Prateek K Srivastava1, Shanshan Han2, Chang-Ching Tu2
1Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 15, 2022
Summary
Silicon quantum dot nanoparticles (SiQDNPs) show phototoxicity in zebrafish embryos, acting as photosensitizers to generate singlet oxygen. This demonstrates their potential for photodynamic therapy applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Toxicology
Background:
- Silicon quantum dot nanoparticles (SiQDNPs) possess long exciton lifetimes.
- SiQDNPs can function as photosensitizers by absorbing light and generating reactive oxygen species.
- Zebrafish embryos serve as a valuable model organism for studying nanoparticle toxicity and photodynamic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the phototoxicity of SiQDNPs in zebrafish embryos.
- To evaluate the potential of SiQDNPs as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to SiQDNPs and blue light illumination.
- Neutral red and acridine orange staining were used to assess cellular injury and apoptosis.
- Microinjection of SiQDNPs was employed to mitigate adverse effects from immersion.
Main Results:
- Illuminated embryos showed significant injuries and higher mortality rates compared to dark controls.
- Microinjection followed by illumination induced localized apoptosis near the injection site.
- No apoptosis was observed in non-illuminated, microinjected embryos, confirming light-dependent toxicity.
Conclusions:
- SiQDNPs exhibit light-dependent phototoxicity in zebrafish embryos.
- The study validates the potential of SiQDNPs as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy.
- Further research is warranted to optimize SiQDNPs for therapeutic applications.
