Size‐Dependent Cytotoxicity of Monodisperse Silica Nanoparticles in Human Endothelial Cells

Abstract

The effect that monodisperse amorphous spherical silica particles of different sizes have on the viability of endothelial cells (EAHY926 cell line) is investigated. The results indicate that exposure to silica nanoparticles causes cytotoxic damage (as indicated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release) and a decrease in cell survival (as determined by the tetrazolium reduction, MTT, assay) in the EAHY926 cell line in a dose-related manner. Concentrations leading to a 50% reduction in cell viability (TC(50)) for the smallest particles tested (14-, 15-, and 16-nm diameter) ranging from 33 to 47 microg cm(-2) of cell culture differ significantly from values assessed for the bigger nanoparticles: 89 and 254 microg cm(-2) (diameter of 19 and 60 nm, respectively). Two fine silica particles with diameters of 104 and 335 nm show very low cytotoxic response compared to nanometer-sized particles with TC(50) values of 1095 and 1087 microg cm(-2), respectively. The smaller particles also appear to affect the exposed cells faster with cell death (by necrosis) being observed within just a few hours. The surface area of the tested particles is an important parameter in determining the toxicity of monodisperse amorphous silica nanoparticles.

Nanofabrication of Graphene Quantum Dots with High Toxicity Against Malaria Mosquitoes, Plasmodium falciparum and MCF-7 Cancer Cells: Impact on Predation of Non-target Tadpoles, Odonate Nymphs and Mosquito Fishes

“…The binding of GQDs to the RBC molecule can be linked to the small particle size of GQDs which is also linked to the strong electrostatic interactions with phosphatidylcholine lipids present on the surface of the RBC membrane [72]. In agreement with our findings, the size-dependent cytotoxicity on human RBCs and mammalian cells has been reported earlier testing other nanoparticles, such as silica [73,74] and latex ones [75]. In addition, studies on hemolytic activity of silver nanoparticles showed that the release of low silver ion concentrations leads to the death of RBC molecule [76].…”

Impact of silica dioxide nanoparticles on the morphology of internal organs in rats by oral supplementation

“…SiO2 nanoparticles caused damage to EAHY926 line cells, and here it should be noted that analog particles of sub-micron size (100-300nanometers) were not toxic [26]. Nano-sized SiO2 with particles diameter equal to 10 and 30, but not 80 nanometers suppressed differentiation into cardiac hystiocytes in stem cells culture of a mouse embryo [18].…”

Altering the Biodegradation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles by Means of Experimental Parameters and Surface Functionalization

“…The smaller the NPs, the greater the contact with the surrounding medium at the interface and the more degradable the NPs. Unfortunately, such small particles cause higher cell toxicity and hemolytic activity [8][9][10][11]. In contrast, the degradation of MSNPs is not size dependent in a size range of 20 to 80 nm diameter, as it is mainly caused by the enlarged surface area due to the pores [7].…”