Cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of molybdenum and tungsten disulphide on human bronchial cells

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses induced by tungsten disulphide (WS2) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanoparticles (NPs) in human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B). For cytotoxicity assessment, the cells were exposed to different concentrations (2.5–200 µg/mL) of WS2-NPs or MoS2-NPs for 24 and 48 h and then the MTT assay was performed. Afterwards, long-term toxicity was assessed by the colony forming efficiency assay (CFEA) during a 10 days’ exposure of the cells. For pro-inflammatory responses, the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA was estimated by the real-time PCR method. Both nanomaterials showed similar cytotoxic effects on BEAS-2B cells assessed by the MTT assay, i.e. reduction in cell viability to approx. 60–70% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h. The percentage viability remained relatively constant at this level across all concentrations above 5 μg/mL. In long-term exposure, both nanomaterials inhibited colony formation in a wide range of concentrations up to 100 µg/mL. MoS2-NPs were slightly more cytotoxic than WS2-NPs. Additionally, MoS2-NPs caused an increase in mRNA levels of cytokines, IL-1β, and IL-6 at concentration of 50 µg/mL, while WS2-NPs did not cause any changes in the level of mRNA for both cytokines. We also visualised the changes in the cells as a result of WS2-NPs or MoS2-NPs exposure (2.5 and 25 µg/mL) via holotomographic microscopy. This work demonstrates the hazardous potential of both nanomaterials and indicate that WS2 and MoS2 nanoparticles should be included in the occupational risk assessment.

Assessing cytotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human blood–brain barrier cells due to silver and copper oxide nanoparticles

“…We previously reported that holotomographic microscopy could be used to observe morphological cell arrangements after low NP dose exposure exposure (Sawicka et al 2021;Zapor et al 2022). Herein, our results suggested that Ag-NP and CuO-NP doses below IC 50 values induced morphological changes and adverse events in cells.…”

Biological effects of molybdenum(IV) sulfide nanoparticles and microparticles in the rat after repeated intratracheal administration

“…Cysteamine functionalized MoS 2 QDs were assessed as biocompatible in a study on the human cervical cancer HeLa cells by Sun et al (2019). In contrast, Zapór et al (2022) showed a cytotoxic effect of MoS 2 (length and width of a few micrometers, while thickness on the nano scale) on BEAS‐2B cells after 24 and 48 h (2.5–200 μg/mL; MTT reduction test) or in clonogenic formation assay (10 days exposure). The particles increased gene expression of IL‐1β and IL‐6.…”

Holotomography and atomic force microscopy: a powerful combination to enhance cancer, microbiology and nanotoxicology research

“…Microscopy studies reveal changes in the size and shape of cells and loss of cell–cell contact due to exposure to NMs. They also expose a higher degree of cytoplasmic vacuolization, changes in the nucleus morphology, and intracellular location of mitochondria [ 147 ]. We previously discussed the importance of coupling different techniques to increase the potentialities of HT microscopy.…”