Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

09:43
Preparation of Silica Nanoparticles Through Microwave-assisted Acid-catalysis
Published on: December 16, 2013
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles inhibit cellular respiration
Zhimin Tao1, Matthew P Morrow, Tewodros Asefa
1Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA.
Nano Letters
|April 2, 2008
Summary
SBA-15 mesoporous silica nanoparticles inhibited cellular respiration and ATP production in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. MCM-41 showed minimal impact, suggesting differential nanoparticle toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotoxicology
- Cellular Respiration
Background:
- Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) like MCM-41 and SBA-15 are widely investigated for biomedical applications.
- Understanding their potential cellular impacts, particularly on mitochondrial function, is crucial for safe application.
- Mitochondrial respiration is a key indicator of cellular health and energy production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of MCM-41 and SBA-15 nanoparticles on mitochondrial O2 consumption (respiration) in different cell types and isolated mitochondria.
- To assess the impact of these nanoparticles on cellular ATP levels and metabolic fuel utilization.
- To determine the specificity of nanoparticle effects on cellular respiration.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of HL-60 (myeloid) and Jurkat (lymphoid) cells, along with isolated mitochondria, to varying concentrations of MCM-41 and SBA-15 nanoparticles.
- Measurement of cellular O2 consumption rates using respirometry.
- Analysis of cellular ATP levels and glutathione content.
- Assessment of respiration onset in metabolically deprived cells upon glucose addition.
Main Results:
- SBA-15 significantly inhibited cellular respiration in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, affecting both cell lines and isolated mitochondria.
- Cellular ATP levels mirrored the observed inhibition of respiration by SBA-15.
- MCM-41 demonstrated minimal to no significant impact on cellular respiration rates, although it delayed the onset of glucose-supported respiration.
- Neither nanoparticle affected cellular glutathione levels, but both inhibited isolated mitochondrial respiration.
Conclusions:
- SBA-15 exhibits significant mitochondrial toxicity, impacting cellular respiration and energy production.
- MCM-41 appears to have a lower toxicity profile concerning direct respiration inhibition, but potential indirect effects on metabolic pathways warrant further investigation.
- The differential effects highlight the importance of nanoparticle type and structure in determining cellular and mitochondrial responses.
