Toxicity of Graphene Quantum Dots in Zebrafish Embryo.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the bio-safety of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), we studied its effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish.


METHODS
In vivo, biodistribution and the developmental toxicity of GQDs were investigated in embryonic zebrafish at exposure concentrations ranging from 12.5-200 μg/mL for 4-96 h post-fertilization (hpf). The mortality, hatch rate, malformation, heart rate, GQDs uptake, spontaneous movement, and larval behavior were examined.


RESULTS
The fluorescence of GQDs was mainly localized in the intestines and heart. As the exposure concentration increased, the hatch and heart rate decreased, accompanied by an increase in mortality. Exposure to a high level of GQDs (200 μg/mL) resulted in various embryonic malformations including pericardial edema, vitelline cyst, bent spine, and bent tail. The spontaneous movement significantly decreased after exposure to GQDs at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. The larval behavior testing (visible light test) showed that the total swimming distance and speed decreased dose-dependently. Embryos exposed to 12.5 μg/mL showed hyperactivity while exposure to higher concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) caused remarkable hypoactivity in the light-dark test.


CONCLUSION
Low concentrations of GQDs were relatively non-toxic. However, GQDs disrupt the progression of embryonic development at concentrations exceeding 50 μg/mL.
['Wang|Zhen Guo|ZG|', 'Zhou|Rong|R|', 'Jiang|Dan|D|', 'Song|Jing E|JE|', 'Xu|Qian|Q|', 'Si|Jing|J|', 'Chen|Yun Ping|YP|', 'Zhou|Xin|X|', 'Gan|Lu|L|', 'Li|Jian Zhen|JZ|', 'Zhang|Hong|H|', 'Liu|Bin|B|']
D000818:Animals D001522:Behavior, Animal D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian D006108:Graphite D007814:Larva D045663:Quantum Dots D015027:Zebrafish
Graphene quantum dots Zebrafish Embryo Developmental toxicity