Cytotoxicity of Colloidal CdSe and CdSe/ZnS Nanoparticles

TLDR

Cytotoxicity of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles has been examined across surface modifications including mercaptopropionic acid, silanization, and polymer coatings. Patch‑clamp experiments were performed to assess particle effects on ion‑channel currents. The study reports quantitative onset values of cytotoxicity in serum‑free media, correlates them with cellular uptake images, and shows that both Cd²⁺ release and surface‑chemistry‑driven aggregation stability influence toxicity.

Abstract

Cytotoxicity of CdSe and CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles has been investigated for different surface modifications such as coating with mercaptopropionic acid, silanization, and polymer coating. For all cases, quantitative values for the onset of cytotoxic effects in serum-free culture media are given. These values are correlated with microscope images in which the uptake of the particles by the cells has been investigated. Our data suggest that in addition to the release of toxic Cd2+ ions from the particles also their surface chemistry, in particular their stability toward aggregation, plays an important role for cytotoxic effects. Additional patch clamp experiments investigate effects of the particles on currents through ion channels.