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Biosynthesis of luminescent quantum dots in an earthworm

This is the first use of a living animal to synthesise semiconductor quantum dots biologically. We manipulated the earthworms use of metallotioneins to sequester metal ions, by adding simple precursors that the earthworm’s innate defence system transported to chlorogog cells (the liver) where they formed luminescent quantum dots capped with biomolecules. The quantum dots were isolated and used in imaging ovarian cancer cells and macrophages. This provides a new, simple, and cheap way of manufacturing a high value material of use to medics and biologists. This paper was widely covered by the press, including New Scientist, CERN courier, physics.org.