This presentation for a biology laboratory component tested the effects of quantum dots (which I synthesized while researching in the American University Department of Chemistry) on developing zebrafish.

1. The Effects of
Quantum Dots
on Zebrafish
Development
Monica Lovell and Julia MacDougall
BIO-210-004
March 26th
, 2014

2. Purpose
• This experiment set out to determine how Zinc
and Manganese-Doped Quantum Dots affected
the embryogenesis of zebrafish.

3. Hypothesis and Prediction
• Hypothesis: Because quantum dots are designed
to be used in live animals, it should be safe for
zebrafish to grow and develop in water containing
quantum dots.
• Prediction: If zebrafish are grown in three
different concentrations of quantum, all three
samples should develop normally in the same
manner.

4. Experimental Design
• Prepare three solutions of quantum dots: one
control solution of just water, one of the low (0.05
mg/mL) concentration, and one of the high (0.5
mg/mL) concentration.
• Track how zebrafish develop, focusing on
morphology, size, and mortality.
• Preserve two/three fish on day 14 in order to
further examine develpment.

5. Use of Quantum Dots
• Quantum dots are used to track and image
changes in development, so they should not be
toxic (Rieger, Kulkarni, Darcy, Fraser, Koster,
2005)
• Microangiography

6. Initial Observations
Quantum Dot Concentration Number Dead, Number Alive
Control 0 Dead, 20 Alive
Low 0 Dead, 20 Alive
High 0 Dead, 20 Alive

7. Day 4

8. Day 4 Observations
Quantum Dot Concentration Number Dead, Number Alive
Control 3 dead, 17 alive
Low 6 dead, 14 alive
High 3 dead, 17 alive

9. Day 7

10. Day 7 Observations
QD Concentration Number Dead,
Number Preserved,
Total Alive
Tail Length Eye Diameter Diameter of Yolk Area
Control 1 dead, preserved 2, 14
total alive
250 micrometers 20 micrometers 20 micrometers
Low 1 dead, preserved 3, 10
total alive
207.5 micrometers 25 micrometers 25 micrometers
High 0 dead, preserved 3, 14
total alive
250 micrometers 25 micrometers 45 micrometers

11. Day 14

12. Day 14- QD Fluorescence

13. Day 14- Fish Fluorescence

14. Day 14 Observations
Concentration Number Dead, Number Alive
Control 14 dead, 0 alive
Low 8 dead, 2 alive
High 14 dead, 0 alive

15. Success of the Lab-Made
Quantum Dots
The quantum dots made in the Hartings Lab have
not yet been perfected.
In studies, the zebrafish were injected with
quantum dots. Our methods differed.

16. Improvements
Feed the zebrafish
Inject the zebrafish with quantum dots
Perfect the quantum dot recipe

17. Conclusions
Prediction and Hypothesis
Supported or Nullified?
Surprises
Zebrafish Death
Differences between concentrations

18. Works Cited
• Rieger, S., Kulkarni, R.P., Darcy, D., Fraser, S.E.,
Koster, R.W. (2005). Quantum dots are powerful
agents in zebrafish embryos. Developmental
Dynamics 234:670-681. DOI10.1002/dvdy.20524