Toxicity Assessments of Near-infrared Upconversion Luminescent LaF₃:Yb,Er in Early Development of Zebrafish Embryos

Abstract

This study reports the effects of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) LaF3:Yb,Er on zebrafish, with the aim of investigating UCNPs toxicity. LaF3:Yb,Er were prepared by an oleic acid/ionic liquid two-phase system, and characterized by transmission electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction. 140 zebrafish embryos were divided into six test groups and one control group, and respectively were injected into 5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 μg/mL LaF3:Yb,Er@SiO2 solution, and respectively were raised for 5 days. Each experiment was repeated ten times. Results showed that water-soluble LaF3:Yb,Er were successfully prepared, and did not exhibit obvious toxicity to zebrafish embryos under 100 μg/mL, but exhibited chronic toxicities 200 μg/mL in vivo, resulting in malformations and delayed hatching rate and embryonic and larval development. The excretion channels of LaF3:Yb,Er in adult zebrafish were mainly found in the intestine after being injected evenly for 24 h. In conclusion, the exploration of LaF3:Yb,Er for in vivo applications in animals and humans must consider UCNPs biocompatibility.

Critical Considerations on the Clinical Translation of Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNPs): Recommendations from the European Upconversion Network (COST Action CM1403)

“…At this concentration also the morphology of the heart was similar as the untreated control group . Similar results were obtained by Wang et al in zebrafish embryos treated with LaF 3 :Yb,Er@SiO 2 , where no malformations were found at concentrations below 200 µg mL −1 . The biosafety of UCNPs was also assessed in vivo by introducing UCNP‐treated bean sprouts into the stomach of mice.…”

Enhancing the Imaging and Biosafety of Upconversion Nanoparticles through Phosphonate Coating

“…9–13 The use of optical properties together with the high resistance to photobleaching and photochemical degradation, allows lanthanide-doped UCNPs to be considered as promising new bioimaging agents for advanced accomplishments, such as single-molecule tracking, multiplexed labeling and deep tissue imaging. 14–20 While to date no serious toxicity has been observed during the use of UCNPs in organisms such as C. elegans, 2, 21 zebra fish, 22 and rodent studies, 16, 23–25 we are aware of the problems caused by Gd-based MRI agents in renal failure patients where these reagents can lead to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). 26, 27 Moreover, there is documentation of the occurrence of an occupational lung disease in RE miners or workers exposed to RE materials ( e.g.…”

Toxic effects of indoxacarb enantiomers on the embryonic development and induction of apoptosis in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)

“…The 10‐s heart rate ( n = 10) at 48 hpf was also recorded under the microscope. The larval lengths ( n = 10) was measured after hatching 120 hpf under the microscope (Wang et al, ).…”