Effects of Quantum Dots on Zebrafish Development
- 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