Size-dependent and real-time effect of SiO₂ nanoparticles on a single living HeLa Cell's membrane permeability

In this study, we provide the quantitative data on the membrane permeability of a HeLa cell in the presence of different sizes of SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs, 50, 100 and 200 nm). SiO₂ NPs have low cytotoxicity, but 50 and 100 nm SiO₂ NPs can increase the cell membrane permeability (a reversible effect) by 12.5% (0.02 mg mL^-1, 4 min) and 9% (0.02 mg mL^-1, 6 min), respectively. However, the 200 nm SiO₂ NPs cannot affect the cell membrane permeability.