1 H‐NMR‐based Metabolomics Studies of the Toxicity of Mesoporous Carbon Nanoparticles in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio )

Mesoporous carbon nanoparticles ( MCNs ) have been applied in a variety of drug/gene carriers. In addition to their potential benefits, many studies of their potential toxicity have been reported, showing the limitations of metabolic contextualization. In this study, we conducted 1 H ‐nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR ) profiling combined with statistical methods such as orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and Pearson correlation analysis to assess metabolic alterations in the whole body of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) in the presence of various concentrations of MCNs . The MCN exposure influenced numerous metabolites in energy metabolism ( e . g ., metabolites involved in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle) and disturbed the balance of neurotransmitters and osmoregulators. Our findings demonstrate the potential applicability of using a metabolomics approach to determine underlying metabolic disturbances caused by MCNs .