Low‐Dose Silver Nanoparticle Surface Chemistry and Temporal Effects on Gene Expression in Human Liver Cells

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely incorporated into consumer products and used medically for their biocidal properties, [1] with applications in biosensing, imaging, and therapies. As concerns of frequent and cumulative exposures increase, AgNP toxicity has drawn considerable attention. [2,3] Most exposure studies to date involve atypical high-dose concentrations Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely incorporated into consumer and biomedical products for their antimicrobial and plasmonic properties with limited risk assessment of low-dose cumulative exposure in humans. To evaluate cellular responses to low-dose AgNP exposures across time, human liver cells (HepG2) are exposed to AgNPs with three different surface charges (1.2 µg mL −1 ) and complete gene expression is monitored across a 24 h period. Time and AgNP surface chemistry mediate gene expression. In addition, since cells are fed, time has marked effects on gene expression that should be considered. Surface chemistry of AgNPs alters gene transcription in a timedependent manner, with the most dramatic effects in cationic AgNPs. Universal to all surface coatings, AgNP-treated cells responded by inactivating proliferation and enabling cell cycle checkpoints. Further analysis of these universal features of AgNP cellular response, as well as more detailed analysis of specific AgNP treatments, time points, or specific genes, is facilitated with an accompanying application. Taken together, these results provide a foundation for understanding hepatic response to low-dose AgNPs for future risk assessment.

Antiviral Properties of Silver Nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2: Effects of Surface Coating and Particle Size

“…Surface modification of AgNPs can significantly affect their biocompatibility and their interaction with cells [ 39 ]. House et al observed that AgNPs modified with branched BPEI had a more significant gene-regulatory effect than unmodified particles [ 40 ].…”

Inhibition of DNA replication initiation by silver nanoclusters

“…Silver ions and several silver-based nanomaterials display toxicity ( 3 , 6 , 8 ). Therefore, we sought to determine whether other silver materials could inhibit DNA replication in cell-free extracts.…”

“…Silver nanomaterials are routinely incorporated into medical and consumer products due to their excellent antimicrobial capacities ( 1 , 2 ). Therefore, it is important to assess how they interact with macromolecules during biological processes such as DNA transactions to better understand their potential toxicity ( 3 ). The biological properties and potential toxic effects of silver nanomaterials are governed by multiple physicochemical factors including shape, size, dose and surface coating ( 4 , 5 ).…”

Detection, prevention and treatment of COVID‐19 and opportunities for nanobiotechnology

“…In addition, the potential side‐effects and toxicity of some metal and carbon nanomaterials on health are worrying and noteworthy. 127 , 128 More biocompatible and advanced nanobiotechnologies using biodegradable biomaterials, such as biopolymers and polypeptides, should be developed to solve current problems in nanobiotechnological methods. Overall, although there are limitations now, nanobiotechnologies have laid out their opportunities for the war against COVID‐19.…”

“…More practical design strategy should be considered by scientists for meeting the sustained outbreak and fast spread of SARS‐CoV‐2. In addition, the potential side‐effects and toxicity of some metal and carbon nanomaterials on health are worrying and noteworthy 127,128 . More biocompatible and advanced nanobiotechnologies using biodegradable biomaterials, such as biopolymers and polypeptides, should be developed to solve current problems in nanobiotechnological methods.…”