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Quantum Dot (QD)-Induced Toxicity and Biocompatibility

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Handbook of II-VI Semiconductor-Based Sensors and Radiation Detectors

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Abstract

Group II–VI semiconductors (Cd, Zn, and Hg) along with group VI nonmetallic elements (O, S, Se, and Te) have generated sufficient interest owing to their prominent optoelectronic properties for biomedical applications that have been extensively researched. Due to their unique properties and applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology as phosphors, sensors, and optoelectronic devices, group II–VI semiconductors have been extensively reported in terms of their synthesis and optical characteristics. Since the initial QDs contained heavy toxic metals such as Cd, Hg, and Pb, it is imperative to explore alternative constituents with comparable optical properties but low cytotoxicity.

QDs are a unique class of nanomaterials that are in the forefront as attractive molecules for biological and biomedical applications. Due to their unique physiochemical properties, it not only provides commentative advantages but also imparts toxicity because of their accidental exposure to various biological receptacle and cellular process. Unfortunately, the innumerable studies on toxicity of QDs have rendered them as a threat to both environment and health.

In this chapter, we briefly introduce the structural and functional properties of QDs and ways to functionalize them for improved bioavailability. The main focus is on the underlying mechanistic pathways inducing toxicity of QDs – majorly on genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and photo-induced toxicity as these effects remain poorly clarified and few studies combine the molecular consequences with the cellular effects. Oxidative stress caused by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be critical in inducing in vitro toxicity. We have briefly discussed QDs structures, physicochemical properties, processing and biocompatible performance of QDs, and toxicity related to it in multimodal applications in diverse research fields. In the end, we concluded with the development of global regularity standards, to scrutinize and eliminate or control work-related hazards and risks in the field of nanotheranostics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nanobiotech Lab, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

    Karishma Niveria, Priyanka Singh, Monika Yadav & Anita K. Verma

  2. Fellow, Delhi School of Public Health, Institution of Eminence, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

    Anita K. Verma

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  1. Karishma Niveria
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  2. Priyanka Singh
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  3. Monika Yadav
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  4. Anita K. Verma
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Correspondence to Anita K. Verma .

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  1. Department of Physics and Engineering, Moldova State University, Chisinau, Moldova

    Ghenadii Korotcenkov

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Niveria, K., Singh, P., Yadav, M., Verma, A.K. (2023). Quantum Dot (QD)-Induced Toxicity and Biocompatibility. In: Korotcenkov, G. (eds) Handbook of II-VI Semiconductor-Based Sensors and Radiation Detectors. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19531-0_8

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