realgar quantum dots

Realgar quantum dots are nanoscale particles (~5.5 nm) derived from realgar (arsenic sulfide, As4S4), engineered to improve water solubility and bioavailability compared to bulk realgar. Realgar quantum dots exhibit significant cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), through mechanisms involving apoptosis and necrosis. Specifically, they induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, upregulate the stress genes CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) and GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78), and disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax and a decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein levels. In preclinical models, RQDs have demonstrated antitumor activity without overt toxicity at effective doses. These particles are used primarily in cancer research and not currently as approved pharmaceutical products[1].

Other names

realgar quantum dotsRQDs