Effect of Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots Capped with Dextrin on Erythrocyte In Vitro

Erythrocytes are sensitive to the effects of interaction with external agents and pathogens, which results in biochemical and morphological changes. This study evaluated the effects of CdS-dextrin nanoparticles on the biocompatibility, morphology and ζ-potential of erythrocytes in vitro. Blood was obtained from healthy male Wistar rats and erythrocytes were obtained by centrifugation. Hemolysis and topographical analyses were done using spectrophotometry and AFM, respectively. Determination of ζ-potential and molecular docking were also performed. CdS-dextrin quantum dots were evaluated at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL. CdS-dextrin quantum dots produced hemolysis (5%) with all concentrations used. Morphological changes included loss of biconcavity, and surface cracks were observed with 0.1 and 1 μg/mL during 30 min of exposure. When erythrocytes were incubated for 60 minutes this resulted in loss of concavity, increased size, and the presence of surface accumulations, which increased in a concentration dependent manner. The ζ-potential values did not change, regardless of the concentration of quantum dots. The analysis of CdS-dextrin quantum dots uptake showed that they did not enter the cell, though green fluorescence surrounding the erythrocytes was observed. The molecular docking revealed that dextrin of quantum dots might be interacting with glucose transporter GLUT1. Therefore, the interaction of CdSdextrin quantum dots with erythrocytes induce minimal hemolysis but important morphological changes. It is not clear if these changes could be associated with functional changes. These preliminary findings provide evidence that nanomaterials can interact with erythrocytes and might cause associated pathophysiological processes following human exposure.