Description

The growing applications of nanotechnologic products, such as quantum dots
(QDs), increase the likelihood of exposure. Furthermore, their accumulation in the bioenvironment
and retention in cells and tissues are arousing increasing worries about the potentially harmful side
effects of these nanotechnologic products. Previous studies concerning QD cytotoxicity focused on
the reactive oxygen species produced by QDs. Cellular calcium homeostasis dysregulation caused by
QDs may be also responsible for QD cytotoxicity. Meanwhile the interference of QDs with
voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) current (INa) may lead to changes in electrical activity and
worsen neurotoxicologic damage.