Probing metabolic stability of CdSe nanoparticles: Alkaline extraction of free cadmium from liver and kidney samples of rats exposed to CdSe nanoparticles

► Separation of Cd is examined from tissues containing CdSe nanoparticles (NPs). ► TMAH affords extraction of free Cd in tissues without deteriorating intact NPs. ► Thiol-capped CdSe NPs degrade in the body to release free Cd. ► UV light accelerates NP degradation resulting in elevated Cd levels in the body.