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Preparation of Silica Nanoparticles Through Microwave-assisted Acid-catalysis
Published on: December 16, 2013
Physicochemical determinants in the cellular responses to nanostructured amorphous silicas
Elena Gazzano1, Mara Ghiazza, Manuela Polimeni
1G. Scansetti Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos and other Toxic Particulates, Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy.
Summary
Amorphous nanostructured silicas vary in toxicity based on preparation method. Pyrogenic silicas showed higher cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses than precipitated ones, with larger particles being more active.
Area of Science:
- Nanotoxicology
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Amorphous silicas were considered nonpathogenic, but their diverse forms and nanoparticle applications raise safety concerns.
- Nanotoxicology research is crucial for evaluating silica nanoparticles in nanomedicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of amorphous nanostructured silicas produced via pyrolysis versus precipitation.
- To assess the influence of particle size and origin on surface properties, cellular damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses in macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of pyrogenic and precipitated amorphous nanostructured silicas, including two pyrogenic particle sizes.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) release.
- Surface analysis using calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy to determine silanol density.
Main Results:
- Pyrogenic silicas exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity and inflammatory mediator production than precipitated silica, both per mass and per surface area.
- Larger pyrogenic silica particles were more potent in eliciting toxic effects.
- Higher silanol density on pyrogenic silicas, compared to precipitated ones, correlated with increased toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The preparation route is a critical determinant of amorphous nanostructured silica's toxic potential.
- Surface hydroxylation and silanol density significantly influence silica's biological activity.
- While smaller size doesn't always increase toxicity, particle origin and surface chemistry are key factors in silica-induced cellular responses.
