Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Does over-exposure to copper ions released from metallic copper induce cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on mammalian
Claudia A Grillo1, Miguel A Reigosa, Mónica A Fernández Lorenzo de Mele
1Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA, CCT-CONICET La Plata), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina.
Background:
A high dissolution of copper from intrauterine devices (IUDs) occurs during the first days after insertion. This work is focused on the assessment of the possible cyto- and genotoxic effects of different concentrations of copper ions released from metallic copper on mammalian cells in vitro.
Study Design:
Colorimetric tetrazolium/Trypan blue (TB) tests and Comet assay were used to evaluate potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, respectively, in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1).
Results:
Reduction of mitochondrial activity by copper ions was observed for extracts at >or=7.42 mg/L concentrations, while TB exclusion test for plasma membrane integrity showed significant decrease in cell viability (close to 90%) for 10.85 mg/L concentration. Additionally, copper-induced DNA damage was detected for 5.67-7.42 mg/L concentration range.
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrate cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of copper ions released from metallic copper on CHO-K1 cells and emphasize the importance of reducing the initial copper dissolution from IUD without affecting the contraceptive action.
Related Concept Videos
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
Periodic Table Provides Information...
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

