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Science Forum Index » Nanotechnology Forum » Quantum dot toxicity
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| Dominique |
 Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:32 pm |
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Quantum dots have huge potential contributions to make in biological
imaging and diagnostics. Despite having been studied in imaging for
several years now, reports on quantum dot toxicity have been
inconsistent and very little invivo studies have been published.
I'm doing a research project on the toxicity of quantum dots and the
risks/benefits associated with their use. So far I have gone through
most of the literature available, and I'm still on the fence. I was
hoping to stimulate some discussion in this area, and get some feedback
about how others that know a bit about it feel.
Do you think quantum dots are toxic? Do you think evidence supports
their use in humans for diagnostics in the near future? What do you
think the main risks are?
Furthermore, if you have information/opinions on environmental release
or occupational hazards, I'd love to hear about it. |
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| Perry E. Metzger |
| Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:21 am |
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"Dominique" <dominique.mcmahon@gmail.com> writes:
Quote: Do you think quantum dots are toxic? Do you think evidence supports
their use in humans for diagnostics in the near future? What do you
think the main risks are?
I'm always surprised at people who start discussions like this.
The question of whether a particular chemical substance is toxic or
not is not a subject for opinion. It is something that has an answer,
and that answer is most easily determined by objective scientific
study.
Incidently, there isn't just once arrangement of atoms called a
"quantum dot" so there will not be one answer for the entire class of
objects called "quantum dots".
If you want to know the answer to your question for a particular type
of quantum dot, then the thing to do, if there is nothing yet in the
literature, is acquire experimental animals and perform a controlled
study.
Quote: Furthermore, if you have information/opinions on environmental release
or occupational hazards, I'd love to hear about it.
Again, this isn't a proper subject for "opinion". Hazards, if any, can
be determined with objective research.
Perry |
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| Dominique |
| Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:34 am |
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Don't get me wrong: I not only have a scientific mind, but also a good
grip on the English language. And yes, I asked for an opinion. I do
think that there is an answer: they are or they aren't toxic (for any
one type of quantum dot, under those particular experimental
parameters). That said, when studies don't delve into the matter
sufficiently, or if the results are inconsistent (and they are), that
doesn't negate having an opinion on the matter. People can even have an
opinion that will later be shown to be wrong. What I was hoping to do
was to stimulate some debate, based on references to experimental data
of course, on the subject.
Thanks for your input. And I think you are right: quantum dots are a
class of materials with different compositions, sizes, surface
modifications, etc, and can't be classified as one thing with a single
set of properties. This is a matter all to often overlooked in even
peer reviewed publications.
Perry E. Metzger wrote:
Quote: "Dominique" <dominique.mcmahon@gmail.com> writes:
Do you think quantum dots are toxic? Do you think evidence supports
their use in humans for diagnostics in the near future? What do you
think the main risks are?
I'm always surprised at people who start discussions like this.
The question of whether a particular chemical substance is toxic or
not is not a subject for opinion. It is something that has an answer,
and that answer is most easily determined by objective scientific
study.
Incidently, there isn't just once arrangement of atoms called a
"quantum dot" so there will not be one answer for the entire class of
objects called "quantum dots".
If you want to know the answer to your question for a particular type
of quantum dot, then the thing to do, if there is nothing yet in the
literature, is acquire experimental animals and perform a controlled
study.
Furthermore, if you have information/opinions on environmental release
or occupational hazards, I'd love to hear about it.
Again, this isn't a proper subject for "opinion". Hazards, if any, can
be determined with objective research.
Perry |
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