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Cytotoxic effects of gold nanoparticles: a multiparametric study
Stefaan J Soenen1, Bella Manshian, José Maria Montenegro
1Lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
ACS Nano
|June 5, 2012
Summary
Poly(methacrylic acid)-coated gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) impact cell viability and function. Higher Au NP concentrations induce reactive oxygen species, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation, and neurite outgrowth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- In vitro cell labeling with nanoparticles (NPs) is common for therapeutic applications.
- Potential NP effects on cell viability, morphology, and function require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of poly(methacrylic acid)-coated 4 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on C17.2 neural progenitor cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and PC12 cells.
- To determine safe Au NP concentrations for cell culture by assessing multiple cellular parameters.
Main Methods:
- Multiparametric analysis of Au NP effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), morphology, cytoskeleton, and functionality.
- Stepwise analysis using various Au NP concentrations and incubation times.
Main Results:
- Higher Au NP concentrations (≥50 nM) induced ROS, reducing cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation.
- Cytoskeleton (actin and tubulin) deformation observed at higher NP concentrations.
- Neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells was impeded by Au NPs up to 20 nM.
Conclusions:
- A multiparametric approach is crucial for understanding broad cell-NP interactions.
- Safe Au NP concentrations for sensitive cell types were identified (no significant effects at 10 nM).
- The study provides a template for standardized cell-NP interaction assessments.
