evaluation of toxicity induced by fluorescent carbon dots synthesized from cuminum cyminum in mice

Background: fluorescent carbon dots (c-dots), have the inherent properties of traditional semiconductor-based quantum dots (e.g., size- and wavelength-dependent luminescence emissions, resistance to photobleaching, and ease of bioconjugation). although carbon is not considered an intrinsically toxic element, the specific material configurations and structures of c-dots may be potential risks to human health, thereby raising public concern. the aim of the present work is to investigate the toxicity of exposure to c-dots solution in mice. methods: the c-dots synthesis from cuminum cyminum, and the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were evaluated. twenty-four balb/c mice were injected via the tail vein for a single injection each week of either 5, 25, or 50 mg/kg body weight for 28 days to test for subacute toxicity. blood, liver, and spleen were collected for further analysis. results and discussion: the results showed that the c-dots were no significant toxic effect in 5 and 25 mg/kg. however, at a dose of 50 mg/kg the elevated level of ast, alt, alp, and bilirubin content, and a decrease in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (sod, cat, gpx). also, a high level of mda content was also observed. moreover, c-dots increased il-6, tnf-α, and il-1β, decreased il-10, and enhanced apoptotic factors in the liver and spleen. conclusion: therefore, the presented results suggest that the c-dots are hepatic and splenic toxic to mice in high doses