Effects triggered by platinum nanoparticles on primary keratinocytes

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Platinum-group elements (PGEs), including platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), are emerging environmental pollutants from vehicle catalysts.
• PtNPs are recognized as potential allergens and sensitizers, raising concerns about their impact on human health, particularly skin cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the toxicological effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated PtNPs on primary human epidermal keratinocytes.
• To compare the effects of different PtNP sizes (5.8 nm and 57 nm) on cellular functions and signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

• Primary keratinocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of PtNPs (5.8 nm and 57 nm) for 24 and 48 hours.
• Evaluated cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, cell morphology, metabolic activity, and caspase activation.
• Investigated antibacterial properties against Gram-negative bacteria.

Main Results:

• PtNPs induced toxic effects, reducing metabolic activity but not impacting cell viability or migration.
• Smaller PtNPs (5.8 nm) demonstrated more significant genotoxicity and caspase activation (caspase 9 and 3/7) compared to larger ones (57 nm).
• PtNPs exhibited notable antibacterial properties, particularly against Escherichia coli.

Conclusions:

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated PtNPs exert toxic effects on keratinocytes, with size-dependent genotoxicity and apoptosis induction.
• Unlike silver nanoparticles, PtNPs show a more favorable safety profile for skin cells while retaining antibacterial efficacy.
• PtNPs represent a potential therapeutic agent for bacterial infections, especially against Gram-negative species.