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Research Article

An investigation into the potential for different surface-coated quantum dots to cause oxidative stress and affect macrophage cell signalling in vitro

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Pages 139-149 | Received 02 Feb 2009, Accepted 19 Jul 2009, Published online: 18 Nov 2009
 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a series of different surface-coated quantum dots (QDs) to cause oxidative stress and affect cell signalling in J774.A1 macrophages. Organic QDs caused a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels over 24 h, while COOH and NH2 (PEG) QDs induced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in GSH at 6 and 24 h only. J774.A1 cytosolic Ca2+ concentration significantly increased (p < 0.01) 30 min after treatment with all QDs. Trolox was, however, able to prevent the COOH and NH2 (PEG) QD-induced Ca2+ signal, but not the organic QD induced effect. All QDs tested were observed to have a relatively low ability to stimulate increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In conclusion, QDs differ in their interactions with macrophages according to their specific surface properties.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr Helinor Johnston (Edinburgh Napier University) for her constant support, advice and assistance throughout this study. The authors would also like to acknowledge the funding provided by Napier University, The Carnegie Trust and The Colt Foundation that enabled this project to be completed.

Declaration of Interest: The authors would like to report no conflict of interests. The authors are entirely responsible for the content and writing of the manuscript.

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