Adverse reproductive and developmental consequences of quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs), with a size of 1-10 nm, are luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals characterized by a shell-core structure. Notably, QDs have potential application in bioimaging owing to their higher fluorescence performance than conventional fluorescent dyes. To date, QDs has been widely used in photovoltaic devices, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis. In recent years, scientists have focused on whether the use of QDs can interfere with the reproductive and developmental processes of organisms, resulting in serious popu-lation and community problems. In this study, we first analyze the possible reproductive and development toxicity of QDs. Next, we summarize the possible mechanisms underlying QDs' interference with reproduction and development, including oxidative stress, altered gametogenesis and fetal development gene expression, autophagy and apoptosis, and release of metal ions. Thereafter, we highlight some potential aspects that can be used to eliminate or reduce QDs toxicity. Based on QDs' unique physical and chemical properties, a compre-hensive range of toxicity test data is urgently needed to build structure-activity relationship to quickly evaluate the ecological safety of each kind of QDs.

Automated summary

Quantum dots (QDs) have higher fluorescence performance and are widely used in bioimaging and energy-related fields. However, the use of QDs may interfere with reproductive and developmental processes of organisms, leading to population and community problems. This study analyzed the reproductive and developmental toxicity of QDs, summarized the possible mechanisms, and highlighted potential approaches to mitigate QDs toxicity.