In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Transforming Potential of Industrial Carbon Dust (Fibers and Particles) in Syrian Hamster Embryo (SHE) Cells

Abstract

Carbon fibers have many applications, mainly in high-tech industries such as the aviation industry. Eleven carbon samples (fibers and particles) coming from an aeronautic group were tested for their cytotoxicity and carcinogenic potential using in vitro short-term assays in Syrian hamster embryo cells. These samples were taken during each important step of the process, i.e. from the initial heating of polyacrylonitrile fibers to pure carbon fibers. They were compared to an asbestos fiber, an amorphous silica, and two commercial graphite powders. Their physical-chemical characteristics and their capacity to release reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. This study showed that none of the carbon samples was able to generate ROS as measured by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analysis, and in our biological assays, they demonstrated no morphological transformation potential and low cytotoxicity compared to positive control (chrysotile asbestos).

Genotoxicity of carbon nanofibers: Are they potentially more or less dangerous than carbon nanotubes or asbestos?

“…Carbon nanofibers (CNF) are a carbonaceous nanomaterial used mainly in advanced composite materials to improve strength, stiffness, durability, electrical conductivity, or heat resistance (Darne et al, 2010). CNF cost significantly less to produce than carbon nanotubes (CNT) and therefore offer significant advantages over nanotubes for certain applications, providing a high performance to cost ratio.…”

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Panel of Single- and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes:In VitroEffects on Normal Syrian Hamster Embryo and Immortalized V79 Hamster Lung Cells

“…V79 cells, which are recommended for the micronucleus assay (OECD guideline number 487), have also been used for comet assays in several studies. SHE cells were used as they are primary cells and are suitable for analyzing the genotoxic properties of chemicals and in particular the effects of fibres or particles [ 36 – 38 ].…”

“…The SHE and V79 cells were treated with CNTs at concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 2.1 μ g/cm 2 of cell culture dish (free radical generation) or from 0.23 to 3.75 μ g/cm 2 (other assays). These concentrations are in the same range as those previously used in our laboratory for studies of asbestos fibres [ 36 ]. In a preliminary experiment, these concentrations induced no more than 50–55% cytotoxicity as measured by the WST assay (see below).…”