Cd-based quantum dots (QDs) have broad functions in biomedicine, electronics, and vitality. Thus, their environmental and well being dangers have garnered consideration owing to the toxicity of Cd. Nevertheless, there may be restricted information on the long-term chemical biotransformation and pathway of Cd-based QDs in mammals. Herein, the biodistribution and excretion of intravenously injected typical II-VI [email protected] core/shell QDs in mice, together with the chemical transformation of Zn, Se, and Cd of their main organs, had been systematically studied by synchrotron radiation-based X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our outcomes confirmed the speedy breakdown of ZnS shells inside 10 days after therapy, their transformation into Zn3(PO4)2-like species, and elimination through hepatobiliary route. In the meantime, the CdSe core underwent an ultraslow degradation course of by transformation into a number of species, which had been primarily eradicated through the renal route. Due to this fact, this examine gives a complete understanding of the metabolism and elimination of [email protected] over one 12 months.
