Nanoparticle effects on rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayer barrier properties

Abstract

Inhaled nanoparticles have been reported to contribute to deleterious effects on human health. In this study, we investigated the effects of ultrafine ambient particulate suspensions (UAPS), polystyrene nanoparticles (PNP; positively and negatively charged; 20, 100, 120 nm), quantum dots (QD; positively and negatively charged; 30 nm) and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on alveolar epithelial cell barrier properties. Transmonolayer resistance (Rt) and equivalent shortcircuit current (Ieq) of primary rat alveolar epithelial cell monolayers were measured in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of apical nanoparticles. In some experiments, apical-to-basolateral fluxes of radiolabeled mannitol or inulin were determined with or without apical UAPS exposure and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was analyzed after UAPS or SWCNT exposure. Results revealed that exposure to UAPS decreased Rt and Ieq significantly over 24 hours, although neither mannitol nor inulin fluxes changed. Positively charged QD decreased Rt significantly (with subsequent recovery), while negatively charged QD did not. Rt decreased significantly after SWCNT exposure (with subsequent recovery). On the other hand, PNP exposure had no effects on Rt or Ieq. No significant increases in LDH release were observed after UAPS or SWCNT exposure. These data indicate that disruption of alveolar epithelial barrier properties due to apical nanoparticle exposure likely involves alteration of cellular transport pathways and is dependent on specific nanoparticle composition, shape and/or surface charge.

Nanotoxicology and nanoparticle safety in biomedical designs

“…Some nanoparticles could pass the blood-brain barrier and cause brain toxicity ( Figure 2); of course more studies are required. [22][23][24] Due to the high loading of nanoparticles, macromolecule absorption will increase, so that they can cross through the digestive tract. Because, for example, lectin is such an immunologic material for coating, it can be toxigenic and also cause inflammatory responses or digestive stimulation.…”

Polystyrene nanoparticles activate ion transport in human airway epithelial cells

“…They found that R t was reduced after apical exposure of rat alveolar cell epithelia monolayers to a variety of nanomaterials, including ultrafine ambient particulate suspensions, positively charged quantum dots, and single-walled carbon nanotubes at varying concentrations. 11 In turn, other research groups have investigated the interaction of silver nanoparticles on voltage-activated Na + currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons, with results indicating that silver nanoparticles may alter the action potential of these neurons by reducing voltage-gated sodium currents. 12 Even though there have been many advances in the area of bionanoscience, there is still very little known about the complex interaction of nanoparticles with the cell membrane on airway epithelial cells, and the effect that this interaction can have on many diverse cellular processes.…”

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoparticles using fruit peel extracts: surface engineering, <em>T</em>₂ relaxometry, and photodynamic treatment potential

“…14,15 However, hydrophobic NPs may induce genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity; therefore, a hydrophilic surface is preferred over the hydrophobic surface for biomedical applications. [16][17][18][19] Consequently, numerous efforts have been focused on refining the properties of metal NPs through modification of their synthesis methods from conventional methods to green ones. Some of these include the use of seaweed, 20 tea, 21,22 as well as peel extracts of plantain, 23 banana, 24 and orange.…”