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Altering iron oxide nanoparticle surface properties induce cortical neuron cytotoxicity
Christopher J Rivet1, Yuan Yuan, Diana-Andra Borca-Tasciuc
1Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Troy, New York 12180-3590, United States.
Chemical Research in Toxicology
|November 25, 2011
Summary
Surface coatings on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) significantly impact their toxicity to neurons. Polydimethylamine coatings caused rapid cell death, while aminosilane and dextran showed toxicity only at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are promising for neuro-medicine due to their blood-brain barrier penetration.
- However, their neurotoxicity, particularly concerning surface functionalization, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of SPIONs with common biomedical coatings (aminosilane, dextran, polydimethylamine) on primary cortical neurons.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of SPIONs (size, concentration, agglomeration).
- Assessment of neuronal response to different SPION coatings in primary cortical neuron cultures.
Main Results:
- Polydimethylamine-coated SPIONs induced rapid neuronal cell death via membrane removal at all tested concentrations.
- Aminosilane-coated SPIONs affected metabolic activity at high concentrations without membrane damage.
- Dextran-coated SPIONs partially reduced neuronal viability at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle surface chemistry critically influences SPION neurotoxicity.
- Comprehensive characterization and primary cell-based cytotoxicity testing are essential before applying nanomaterials in the nervous system.
