Exploitation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in biomedicine represents more than one third of their overall applications. Despite their wide use, detailed toxicokinetic data and information on their action mechanisms in vivo are still scarce. One important obstacle is their fate and transformation patterns in biological environments where AgNPs get a “new face” after interaction with biomolecules, particularly proteins. The impact of protein corona on AgNP effects in vivo is eludicated. The in vivo effects of AgNPs prepared with two different protein coronas, albumin, and metallothionein, with polymer‐coated AgNPs are compared in male and female Wistar rats after intravenous administration. The results demonstrate that the character of the protein coronas on the AgNP surface affects not only distribution, but also oxidative stress response and genotoxicity in tissues of rat exposed to AgNPs. Additionally, sex‐related effects are observed. By emphasizing the importance of protein corona formation and sex‐related response, the obtained data support a reliable evidence base needed for assessing the health risks of the steadily increasing human exposure to AgNPs.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most investigated metal-based nanomaterials. Their biocidal activity boosted their application in both diagnostic and therapeutic medical systems. It is therefore crucial to provide sound evidences for human-related safety of AgNPs. This study aimed to enhance scientific knowledge with regard to biomedical safety of AgNPs by investigating how their different surface properties affect human immune system. Methods: preparation, characterization and stability evaluation was performed for four differently coated AgNPs encompassing neutral, positive and negative agents used for their surface stabilization. Safety aspects were evaluated by testing interaction of AgNPs with fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) by means of particle cellular uptake and their ability to trigger cell death, apoptosis and DNA damages through induction of oxidative stress and damages of mitochondrial membrane. Results: all tested AgNPs altered morphology of freshly isolated hPBMC inducing apoptosis and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Highest toxicity was observed for positively-charged and protein-coated AgNPs. Cellular uptake of AgNPs was also dose-dependently increased and highest for positively charged AgNPs. Intracellularly, AgNPs induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damaged mitochondrial membrane. Depending on the dose, all AgNPs exhibited genotoxic potential. Conclusions: this study provides systematic and comprehensive data showing how differently functionalized AgNPs may affect the human immune system. Presented results are a valuable scientific contribution to safety assessment of nanosilver-based blood-contacting medical products.
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