Effects of silver nanoparticles on T98G human glioblastoma cells

Nanotechnology has been well developed in recent decades because it provides social progress and welfare. Consequently, exposure of population is increasing and further increases in the near future are forecasted. Therefore, assessing the safety of applications involving nanoparticles is strongly advisable. We assessed the effects of silver nanoparticles at a non-cytotoxic concentration on the performance of T98G human glioblastoma cells mainly by an omic approach. We found that silver nanoparticles are able to alter several molecular pathways related to inflammation. Cellular repair and regeneration were also affected by alterations to the fibroblast growth factor pathways operating mainly via mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. It was concluded that, given the relevant role of glia on central nervous system maintenance homeostasis, exposure to silver nanoparticles could eventually lead to severe toxicity in the central nervous system, although current exposure levels do not pose a significant risk.