Evaluating cell specific cytotoxicity of differentially charged silver nanoparticles.
Jasmine Kaur1, Kulbhushan Tikoo
1Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali 160 062, Punjab, India.
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with tannic acid (TSNPs) show higher toxicity due to their negative surface potential. This study highlights how AgNP surface potential and cell type influence nanoparticle safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used but raise safety concerns.
- Understanding AgNP toxicity is crucial for safe application.
- Surface properties of nanoparticles can influence their biological interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize AgNPs with varying surface potentials.
- To assess the cytotoxicity of different AgNPs in various cell lines.
- To investigate the relationship between AgNP surface potential and cellular toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of AgNPs using different reducing agents (tannic acid, sodium borohydride).
- Characterization of AgNPs, focusing on surface potential (zeta potential).
- In vitro toxicity assays on skin (A431), lung (A549), and macrophage (RAW264.7) cells, measuring morphology, ROS, metabolic activity, and stress markers.
Main Results:
- AgNPs synthesized with tannic acid (TSNPs) had higher negative zeta potential and exhibited greater cytotoxicity.
- Tannic acid-synthesized AgNPs (TSNPs) caused dose-dependent increases in cellular disruption, ROS generation, and stress markers (p-p38, TNF-α, HSP-70).
- Sodium borohydride-synthesized AgNPs (BSNPs) showed cytotoxicity up to 50 μg/ml, with attenuated effects at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- AgNP cytotoxicity is significantly influenced by their surface potential.
- Cell type plays a role in the observed toxicity of AgNPs.
- Surface potential is a critical factor to consider in the safety evaluation of silver nanoparticles.
