Ag2Se quantum dots damage the nervous system of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Silver selenide quantum dots (Ag₂Se QDs), as a novel type of QDs, are valuable in the biomedical application due to their low-toxic and excellent optical property in near infrared region, but the biosafety assessment of Ag₂Se QDs is rare. In this study, the findings suggested that the accumulation of Ag₂Se QDs in the body of nematodes decreased the lifespan and damaged normal neurobehaviors of Caenorhabditis elegan (C. elegans). Furthermore, Ag₂Se QDs caused excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions and altered expressions of several genes associated with redox equilibrium, which might contribute to neurotoxic outcomes in nematode C. elegans. According to this study, it is necessary and important for researchers to pay attention to the biosafety assessment of presumed low-toxic nanomaterials, like Ag₂Se QDs, especially on sensitively toxic targets, i.e. the nervous system.

Keywords: Behavioral toxicology; Gene expression; Lifespan; Nanoparticles; Neurotoxicity; ROS.