Ternary quantum dots represent a safer alternative for biological applications than conventional binary quantum dots (QDs), which contain harmful elements such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. In this context, AgInSe@ZnS (AISe@ZnS) QDs were synthesized using aqueous electrosynthesis, an approach recognized for its greater eco-efficiency. The glutathione-coated core/shell nanocrystals exhibit continuous absorption from the near-infrared (NIR) at 950 nm to UV, with maximum absorption at 684 nm and a quantum yield of up to 9.6%. The results of the experiments on mice showed that, at concentrations of 5, 10, 50, and 100 mg.kg, AISe@ZnS did not induce genotoxicity, as evidenced by the comet and micronucleus tests. These showed similar frequencies of damage and number of micronuclei (MN) to the negative control group (p>0.05). In addition, the acute toxicity tests carried out on mice at these concentrations did not result in deaths, behavioral changes, or significant changes in hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and leukocytes) and biochemical parameters (total protein, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels). Histopathological examination of the organs of these animals no showed significant macroscopic or weight changes in the lungs and spleen at the concentrations (5 and 10 mg.kg) and no damage to the central nervous system at any concentration tested. Therefore, the AISe@ZnS proved to be less toxic and more sustainable than conventional QDs and organic dyes, emerging as a promising tool for bioimaging applications.

中文翻译：

---

L-谷胱甘肽封端的 AgIn5Se8@ZnS 纳米晶的体内毒性和遗传毒性

三元量子点是比传统二元量子点 (QD) 更安全的生物应用替代品，传统二元量子点含有汞、镉和铅等有害元素。在此背景下，采用水相电合成法合成了 AgInSe@ZnS (AISe@ZnS) QD，这种方法因其更高的生态效率而被认可。谷胱甘肽包覆的核/壳纳米晶体表现出从950 nm的近红外(NIR)到紫外的连续吸收，在684 nm处具有最大吸收，量子产率高达9.6%。小鼠实验结果表明，彗星试验和微核试验表明，在5、10、50和100 mg.kg浓度下，AISe@ZnS不会引起遗传毒性。这些显示与阴性对照组相似的损伤频率和微核（MN）数量（p>0.05）。此外，在这些浓度下对小鼠进行的急性毒性试验并未导致死亡、行为改变或血液学参数（红细胞、血红蛋白、血细胞比容、血红蛋白和白细胞）和生化参数（总蛋白、肌酐、尿素、总胆固醇和甘油三酯水平）。这些动物器官的组织病理学检查在浓度（5和10mg.kg）下没有显示出肺和脾的显着宏观或重量变化，并且在任何测试浓度下都没有对中枢神经系统造成损害。因此，AISe@ZnS 被证明比传统量子点和有机染料毒性更低、更可持续，成为生物成像应用的一种有前途的工具。