Comparative effects of macro-sized aluminum oxide and aluminum oxide nanoparticles on erythrocyte hemolysis: influence of cell source, temperature, and size

Abstract

Al 2 O 3 is the most abundantly produced nanomaterial and has been used in diverse fields, including the medical, military and industrial sectors. As there are concerns about the health effects of nanoparticles, it is important to understand how they interact with cells, and specifically with red blood cells. The hemolysis induced by three commercial nano-sized aluminum oxide particles (nanopowder 13 nm, nanopowder <50 nm and nanowire 2-6 nm × 200-400 nm) was compared to aluminum oxide and has been studied on erythrocytes from humans, rats and rabbits, in order to elucidate the mechanism of action and the influence of size and shape on hemolytic behavior. The concentrations inducing 50% hemolysis (HC 50 ) were calculated for each compound studied.The most hemolytic aluminum oxide particles were of nanopowder 13, followed by nanowire and nanopowder 50. The addition of albumin to PBS induced a protective effect on hemolysis in all the nano-forms of Al 2 O 3 , but not on Al 2 O 3. The drop in HC 50 correlated to a decrease in nanomaterial size, which was induced by a reduction of aggregation Aluminum oxide nanoparticles are less hemolytic than other oxide nanoparticles, and behave differently depending on the size and shape of the nanoparticles. The hemolytic behavior of aluminum oxide nanoparticles differs from that of aluminum oxide.

A near-superhydrophobic surface reduces hemolysis of blood flow in tubes

“…[39][40][41] Lastly, if the coating had chemically reacted with the red blood cells, some level of degradation should have taken place. This is also true for nanoparticles, which have only been shown to be capable of inducing hemolysis, rather than strengthen red blood cells against damage.…”

Aggregation and interactions of chemical mechanical planarization nanoparticles with model biological membranes: role of phosphate adsorption

“…16 Previous studies have reported that Al 2 O 3 NPs can show inhibitory effect on human bronchial epithelial cells and cause hemolysis of RBCs. 17,18 While the mechanisms for the cytotoxicity of different classes of nanomaterials are still under investigation, studies have shown that the direct association of NPs with cell membranes is often a critical step that precedes the subsequence biological responses. 19,20 The attachment of NPs on cell membranes can also result in damage of the membranes.…”

Biomedical applications of aluminium oxide nanoparticles

“…The results of a study by Vinardell P.M. et al showed that AlNPs can lyse erythrocyte as compared to macro‐sized aluminium oxide in human, rat and rabbit blood samples. The nanopowder induced a more intense haemolysis in these samples, demonstrating the risk of blood contamination by AlNPs as potent lysing nanomaterials [28]. The neurotoxicity of AlNPs has been shown in Drosophila melanogaster in which AlNPs could interrupt the neuronal rhythmic activities in the antennal lobe.…”