Facilitation of trace metal uptake in cells by inulin coating of metallic nanoparticles

Abstract

Trace elements such as zinc and iron are essential for the proper function of biochemical processes, and their uptake and bioavailability are dependent on their chemical form. Supplementation of trace metals through nanostructured materials is a new field, but its application raises concerns regarding their toxicity. Here, we compared the intracellular zinc uptake of different sources of zinc: zinc sulfate, and ZnO and core-shell α-Fe2O3@ZnO nanoparticles, coated or uncoated with inulin, an edible and biocompatible polysaccharide. Using mussel haemocytes, a well-known model system to assess nanomaterial toxicity, we simultaneously assessed zinc accumulation and multiple cellular response endpoints. We found that intracellular zinc uptake was strongly enhanced by inulin coating, in comparison to the uncoated nanoparticles, while no significant effects on cell death, cell viability, mitochondrial membrane integrity, production of reactive oxygen species or lysosome abundance were observed at concentrations up to 20 ppm. Since no significant increments in toxicity were observed, the coated nanomaterials may be useful to increase in vivo zinc uptake for nutritional applications.

Effects of soluble copper and copper oxide nanoparticle exposure on the immune system of mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis

“…Exposure to soluble copper has also been reported to decrease phagocytic activity of clam hemocytes . This effect of decreased phagocytic activity of mussel hemocytes has been reported for in‐vitro exposure to nCuO, where other negative effects were observed, such as a decreased cell viability . Here, we observed that in‐vivo exposure of mussels to either source of copper to nCuO caused a significant increase in lysosome abundance and ROS production, and a decreased MDR activity in hemocytes.…”

“…Phagocytosis assays were performed in 24‐well plates as previously reported . Briefly, approximately 500 000 fluorescently labeled yeast suspended in 500 μL of physiological saline (PS, 20 mM HEPES, 436 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 53 mM MgSO 4 and 10 mM CaCl 2 , pH 7.3) were added to each well containing approximately 50,000 hemocytes.…”

“…The effects of nanomaterials on the immune system of mussels has been mostly studied in‐vitro by directly exposing isolated hemocytes, the primary cells of the immune system, and studying cellular responses such as nanoparticle internalization, cell activity, cell death, cell viability, and ROS production . We have previously shown that in‐vitro exposure of hemocytes to nCuO decreases cell activity (phagocytosis) and cell viability at concentrations as low as 1 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively . This demonstrates that nCuO is toxic to mussel hemocytes; however, these exposures might seem artificial since hemocytes were extracted from the mussel and directly exposed to nCuO for a short period of time (2 h) .…”

“…We have previously shown that in‐vitro exposure of hemocytes to nCuO decreases cell activity (phagocytosis) and cell viability at concentrations as low as 1 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively . This demonstrates that nCuO is toxic to mussel hemocytes; however, these exposures might seem artificial since hemocytes were extracted from the mussel and directly exposed to nCuO for a short period of time (2 h) . Under more environmentally relevant conditions, mussels would be exposed to copper‐polluted water over extended periods of time, resulting in internalization of the pollutant and accumulation in the hemolymph, affecting the immune system and making them more susceptible to proliferation of bacteria that are ubiquitous in the marine environment.…”

Carboxymethyl cellulose coated magnetic nanoparticles transport across a human lung microvascular endothelial cell model of the blood–brain barrier

“…[48][49][50][51][52][53] Most recently our research has focused on exploring alternative biocompatible polymeric coatings for these nanoparticles. 54,55 Here, the preparation and characterization of CMC coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe 3 -O 4 @CMC) and the evaluation of their performance as drug delivery systems for dopamine are presented. Fluorescence and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) studies were used to analyze the cell viability of HLMVE cell cultures exposed to the magnetic nanoparticles and their interaction with cell components.…”