The influence of IONPs core size on their biocompatibility and activity in in vitro cellular models

Abstract

Although the key factor affecting the biocompatibility of IONPs is the core size, there is a lack of regular investigation concerning the impact of the parameter on the toxicity of these nanomaterials. Therefore, such studies were carried out in this paper. Their purpose was to compare the influence of PEG-coated-magnetite NPs with the core of 5, 10 and 30 nm on six carefully selected cell lines. The proliferation rate, viability, metabolic activity, migration activity, ROS levels and cytoskeleton architecture of cells have been evaluated for specified incubation periods. These were 24 and 72-h long incubations with IONPs administered in two doses: 5 and 25 µg Fe/ml. A decrease in viability was observed after exposure to the tested NPs for all the analyzed cell lines. This effect was not connected with core diameter but depended on the exposure time to the nanomaterials. IONPs increased not only the proliferation rate of macrophages—being phagocytic cells—but also, under certain conditions stimulated tumor cell divisions. Most likely, the increase in proliferation rate of macrophages contributed to the changes in the architecture of their cytoskeleton. The growth in the level of ROS in cells had been induced mainly by the smallest NPs. This effect was observed for HEK293T cells and two cancerous lines: U87MG (at both doses tested) and T98G (only for the higher dose). This requires further study concerning both potential toxicity of such IONPs to the kidneys and assessing their therapeutic potential in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Investigation of Aggregation and Disaggregation of Self-Assembling Nano-Sized Clusters Consisting of Individual Iron Oxide Nanoparticles upon Interaction with HEWL Protein Molecules

“…The presented example is not the only one. For instance, in [15] the hydrodynamic radius of IONPs measured using DLS significantly exceeded the sizes measured using TEM and depended on the solvent.…”

“…In this case, protein-coated NPs can significantly change their initial properties [13]. The parameters of the protein crown itself depend on the particle size and surface properties of the NPs [14,15]. In the case of particles coated with sodium citrate, this problem is even more aggravated, because it is known that citrate-coated NPs bind well with proteins [16].…”

Cumulative antitumor effect of bismuth lipophilic nanoparticles and cetylpyridinium chloride in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer

“…Cytoskeletal alterations have also been reported in tumor cells and macrophages that had been exposed for 2-to-3-days to iron oxide nanoparticles. 40 It may be interesting to know whether other cytoskeleton elements, like actin and intermediate filaments, are also affected by BisBAL NP exposure.…”

Review—Potential of Tunneling Magnetoresistance Coupled to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Transducer for Biosensors-on-Chip

“…GS-IONPs may be more biocompatible and less harmful than chemicalbased ones. However, particle size, 123 oxidative stress, 124 and biodistribution 125 are still determining its biocompatibility and toxicity. Smaller particles may increase cellular absorption and toxicity while IONPs cause oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in cellular damage and inflammation.…”