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

TLDR: Investigation of the ability of a series of different surface-coated quantum dots (QDs) to cause oxidative stress and affect cell signalling in J774.A1 macrophages concluded that QDs differ in their interactions with macrophage according to their specific surface properties.

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 NH(2) (PEG) QDs induced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in GSH at 6 and 24 h only. J774.A1 cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration significantly increased (p < 0.01) 30 min after treatment with all QDs. Trolox was, however, able to prevent the COOH and NH(2) (PEG) QD-induced Ca(2+) 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-alpha). In conclusion, QDs differ in their interactions with macrophages according to their specific surface properties.