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Cytotoxicity and solubility evaluation of two types of whiskers by cell magnetometry
Yuichiro Kudo1, Yoshiharu Aizawa
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. yuichiro@med.kitasato-u.ac.jp
Objectives:
We investigated two types of whiskers, an antimony-containing tin-oxide-coated aluminum borate whisker (CABW) and an aluminum borate whisker (ABW), which are asbestos substitutes, in order to evaluate the safety of these fibers.
Methods:
The cytotoxicity and solubility of CABW and ABW were evaluated by cell magnetometry, LDH assay and solubility test.
Results:
ABW was found to be cytotoxic by cell magnetometry and slightly less soluble than CABW. In addition, it was found that the solubility of both fibers was intermediate between that of chrysotile and rock wool, as compared to our previous test results. Regarding the LDH assay, no significant difference was found among the fibers tested. These findings suggested that CABW, the surface of which is coated with antimony-containing tin oxide, had lower cytotoxicity and slightly higher solubility than ABW.
Conclusions:
This study was only a short-term cytotoxicity and solubility study. Therefore, further safety assessment should be carried out in long-term experiments to examine the half-life of these fibers and monitor the potential development of lung carcinoma or mesothelioma after intratracheal instillation of these fibers in rats.
Insights
The antimony-containing tin-oxide-coated aluminum borate whisker (CABW) showed lower cytotoxicity than aluminum borate whisker (ABW). Further long-term studies are needed to fully assess the safety of these asbestos substitutes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Asbestos use is declining due to health risks, necessitating safer alternatives.
- Aluminum borate whiskers (ABW) and antimony-containing tin-oxide-coated aluminum borate whiskers (CABW) are being explored as potential asbestos substitutes.
- Evaluating the safety profile of these novel fibers is crucial before widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the cytotoxicity and solubility of ABW and CABW.
- To determine the potential health risks associated with these asbestos substitutes.
- To inform future safety assessments and material development.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity was evaluated using cell magnetometry and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay.
- Fiber solubility was assessed through a standardized solubility test.
- Comparative analysis was performed against previous data for chrysotile and rock wool.
Main Results:
- Aluminum borate whisker (ABW) exhibited cytotoxicity, while CABW showed lower cytotoxicity.
- CABW demonstrated slightly higher solubility compared to ABW.
- Both fibers displayed intermediate solubility between chrysotile and rock wool; LDH assay showed no significant differences among tested fibers.
Conclusions:
- The antimony-containing tin-oxide coating appears to reduce the cytotoxicity of aluminum borate whiskers.
- Short-term studies indicate CABW may be a safer alternative to ABW.
- Long-term experiments are essential to fully evaluate fiber half-life and carcinogenic potential (lung carcinoma, mesothelioma) in vivo.
