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Published on: January 6, 2023
Dose-dependent cell necrosis induced by silica nanoparticles.
Thamile Luciane Reus1, Bruna Hilzendeger Marcon2, Ariane Caroline Campos Paschoal2
1Laboratório de Biologia Básica de Células-Tronco, Instituto Carlos Chagas, FIOCRUZ Paraná, 81350-010, Curitiba, PR, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) show low cytotoxicity in BALB/c 3T3 cells, with potential for medical applications. However, they can induce cell necrosis in a dose-dependent manner, warranting further safety assessments for SiO2NP exposure.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs), particularly silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs), are increasingly utilized in medical applications.
- Despite perceived safety, concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of SiO2NP exposure.
- Evaluating the in vitro cytotoxicity of laboratory-synthesized SiO2NPs is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of chemically synthesized nonfluorescent and fluorescent SiO2NPs using a BALB/c 3T3 cell line.
- To estimate starting doses for acute oral systemic toxicity tests based on OECD guideline 129.
- To assess the cellular uptake and ultrastructural changes induced by SiO2NPs.
Main Methods:
- Cytotoxicity evaluation using OECD guideline 129 on BALB/c 3T3 cells.
- Determination of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for nonfluorescent and fluorescent SiO2NPs.
- Ultrastructural analysis via electron microscopy to observe cellular uptake and effects.
Main Results:
- Nonfluorescent and fluorescent SiO2NPs exhibited similar cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 1986.39 ± 237 μg/mL and 1861.13 ± 186.72 μg/mL, respectively.
- Predicted LD50 values suggest SiO2NPs could be classified as GHS category 4 substances.
- Ultrastructural studies confirmed SiO2NP internalization by 3T3 cells, localization in vacuole-like structures, and dose-dependent induction of cell necrosis.
Conclusions:
- SiO2NPs demonstrate low in vitro cytotoxicity but can induce cell necrosis in a dose-dependent manner.
- The internalization and vacuolar localization of SiO2NPs suggest specific cellular interactions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the toxicological profile of SiO2NPs for safe medical applications.
