Human epithelial cells exposed to functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: interactions and cell surface...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly used, raising concerns about human health effects.
• The impact of chemical functionalization, particularly carboxylation, on MWCNT toxicity remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of carboxylated-MWCNTs (MWCNTs-COOH) on the surface of human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549).
• To study the interaction mechanisms between MWCNTs-COOH and A549 cells using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).

Main Methods:

• A549 cells were exposed to varying concentrations and durations of MWCNTs-COOH.
• Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to visualize cell surface modifications and nanotube-cell interactions.

Main Results:

• MWCNTs-COOH adhered to the cell membrane and microvilli upon short exposure.
• Longer exposure (24h) induced significant cellular surface changes, including blebs, holes, and altered microvilli, especially at higher concentrations (20 μg/mL).
• MWCNTs-COOH entered cells via membrane bending or direct passage through induced holes.

Conclusions:

• MWCNTs-COOH induce morphological changes on pulmonary epithelial cells.
• These alterations may compromise epithelial functions and potentially lead to lung pathologies like alveolar proteinosis.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate MWCNT-COOH-cell interaction dynamics.