Investigation of the cytotoxic effect of quantum dots on human corneal and conjunctival cell cultures in the aspect of prospects for the treatment of infectious keratitis

Purpose. To investigate the cytotoxic effect of quantum dots on human corneal and conjunctival cell cultures to determine their safe concentration in the treatment of infectious keratitis. Material and methods. This study was conducted on HCEC (human, corneal epithelial cells) and Clone 1-5c-4 (human, normal conjunctiva) cell cultures, which were exposed to semiconductor nanoparticles – quantum dots of three types: CdTe/Cd (cadmium telluride) MPA 710, Ag (10%) InP/ZnS (indium phosphide, doped with silver) MPA 710, InP/ZnSe/ZnS (indium phosphide) 650 MPA. Results. Quantum dot solutions have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, they are nontoxic in concentrations from 0.001, 0.0001, 0.00001 mcg/ml for corneal (HCEC) and conjunctival cell cultures (Clone 1-5c-4). They cause toxic effects in concentrations of 0.1–0.01 mg/ml. Conclusion. This study confirmed the biocompatibility of quantum dot solutions in certain concentrations with corneal and conjunctival cells of the human eye. Results of determined safe concentrations of quantum dots on human cell cultures make it possible to plan further research on the creation of therapeutic anti-infective drugs based on them. Key words: nanomedicine, keratitis, anti-infective drugs