Toxicity test: Fluorescent silicon nanoparticles

Semiconductor nanoparticles ('quantum dots', QDs) are useful fluorescent materials because of their high fluorescent stability compared with existing organic fluorescent dyes. QDs were tested in many biochemical experiments, and the reported results suggested their advantages. However, when we consider their application at the clinical level, their large-scale use may be problematic because of their influence on the environment and the living body as a result of cadmium contained in existing mainstream QDs. Here we report on the characteristics of silicon particles (synthesised using the gas phase method and liquid phase method, currently in the development stage) as a substitute material, focusing on cell-level safety and the potential mechanisms of toxicity.