Evaluation of the Genotoxicity of Chitosan Nanoparticles for Use in Food Packaging Films

Abstract

The use of nanoparticles in food packaging has been proposed on the basis that it could improve protection of foods by, for example, reducing permeation of gases, minimizing odor loss, and increasing mechanical strength and thermal stability. Consequently, the impacts of such nanoparticles on organisms and on the environment need to be investigated to ensure their safe use. In an earlier study, Moura and others (2008a) described the effect of addition of chitosan (CS) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, water vapor, and oxygen permeability of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films used in food packaging. Here, the genotoxicity of different polymeric CS/PMAA nanoparticles (size 60, 82, and 111 nm) was evaluated at different concentration levels, using the Allium cepa chromosome damage test as well as cytogenetic tests employing human lymphocyte cultures. Test substrates were exposed to solutions containing nanoparticles at polymer mass concentrations of 1.8, 18, and 180 mg/L. Results showed no evidence of DNA damage caused by the nanoparticles (no significant numerical or structural changes were observed), however the 82 and 111 nm nanoparticles reduced mitotic index values at the highest concentration tested (180 mg/L), indicating that the nanoparticles were toxic to the cells used at this concentration. In the case of the 60 nm CS/PMAA nanoparticles, no significant changes in the mitotic index were observed at the concentration levels tested, indicating that these particles were not toxic. The techniques used show promising potential for application in tests of nanoparticle safety envisaging the future use of these materials in food packaging.

Application Of Nanotechnology In Agriculture And Food Industry, Its Prospects And Risks

“…De Lima et al [361] evaluated the genotoxicity of different polymeric chitosan/poly(methacrylic acid) NPs (sized 60, 82 and 111 nm) at different concentration levels, using the A. cepa chromosome damage test as well as cytogenetic tests employing human lymphocyte cultures. While no evidence of DNA damage caused by the NPs was observed (no significant numerical or structural changes were observed), the 82 and 111 nm NPs were toxic to the cells at the highest concentration tested (180 mg/dm 3 ).…”

Evaluation of the genotoxicity of cellulose nanofibers

“…These findings suggest that cellular interaction was different for the two materials. 37 Previous work by our research group investigated the genotoxicity of different polymeric nanoparticles composed of chitosan and poly(methacrylic acid), with determination of chromosome damage using the Allium cepa test 15,38 and cytogenetic analyses employing human lymphocyte cell cultures. 15 These tests were shown to be valid for the genotoxicological analysis of nanostructured materials.…”

“…37 Previous work by our research group investigated the genotoxicity of different polymeric nanoparticles composed of chitosan and poly(methacrylic acid), with determination of chromosome damage using the Allium cepa test 15,38 and cytogenetic analyses employing human lymphocyte cell cultures. 15 These tests were shown to be valid for the genotoxicological analysis of nanostructured materials. [11][12][13][15][16][17][18] In the present work, the Allium cepa assay was performed by placing germinated roots in contact with the different types of nanofiber for 24 hours, at nanofiber concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1%.…”

“…Analyses were performed using an optical microscope, with an average of 3000 cells counted in each experiment performed in triplicate (approximately 1000 cells per slide). 15 The mitotic index (MI) was calculated by dividing the number of cells in division by the total cell count (Equation 1).…”

“…Allium cepa chromosome aberration tests have also been used to determine the toxic potential of these substances. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Many of these procedures have been classically used for risk analysis purposes, including the detection of genotoxic effects following human exposure to various different compounds. [19][20][21][22] However, many of the standard methods for genotoxic risk analysis need to be modified when the techniques are applied to nanomaterials.…”