Incidence of the core composition on the stability, the ROS production and the toxicity of CdSe quantum dots

- Aqueous phase routes for the production of MSA-capped CdSe and alloyed CdSe(S) QDs were developed.
- Despite their higher content in cadmium, CdSe(S) QDs are less toxic than CdSe ones.
- Hydroxyl radical production is correlated to the photostability of the dots.
- The surface chemistry and the reactivity of QDs play a crucial role on their phototoxicity.