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Effect of silver nanoparticles on human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Christina Sengstock1, Jörg Diendorf2, Matthias Epple2
1Bergmannsheil University Hospital/Surgical Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
|January 1, 2015
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) and ions can hinder human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation into fat and bone cells, even at low, non-toxic concentrations. Further research is needed on long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) are widely used in nanomedicine for their antibacterial properties, often coating medical devices.
- Potential release of silver ions or nanoparticles from these devices raises concerns about long-term, low-concentration exposure effects on human tissues.
- The biological impact of silver, particularly on stem cell differentiation, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ionic and nanoparticulate silver on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
- To assess the impact on adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation pathways.
- To analyze the secretion of key differentiation markers: adiponectin, osteocalcin, and aggrecan.
Main Methods:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were exposed to varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) and silver ions (Ag+).
- Cellular uptake and localization of Ag-NP were visualized using laser scanning microscopy.
- Differentiation potential and biomarker secretion were assessed after incubation periods.
Main Results:
- Ag-NP (80 nm) were internalized by hMSCs and localized in endo-lysosomal compartments.
- Cytotoxicity was observed at high silver concentrations (≥20 µg·mL(-1) Ag-NP; ≥1.5 µg·mL(-1) Ag+).
- Subtoxic concentrations of both Ag-NP and Ag+ ions impaired adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, reducing adiponectin and osteocalcin secretion, while chondrogenic differentiation remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Ionic and nanoparticulate silver can attenuate adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs at non-toxic concentrations.
- The antibacterial effects of silver are well-known, but its influence on cell differentiation requires further investigation.
- Long-term studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of low-concentration silver exposure on cellular processes.
