CdSe/ZnS quantum dots induce photodynamic effects and cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells

Figure 6 Reactive oxygen species generation was detected after treatment of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots with illumination. A: Fluorescent images of ROS in SW1990 cells (Bar: 200 μm); B: Relative ROS level measured by FCM; C: Cell viability of SW1990 cells by CCK-8 assay. Control: normal SW1990 cells; Light: SW1990 cells with illumination (20 J/cm²); QDs: SW1990 cells treated with CdSe/ZnS QDs (1.5 μmol/L, 3 h); PDT: SW1990 cells treated with CdSe/ZnS QDs (1.5 μmol/L, 3 h) and illumination (20 J/cm²). NAC: N-acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, 5 mmol/L NAC was added to the cell culture for 1 h before treatment. QDs: Quantum dots; ROS: Reactive oxygen species.