Functional and Morphological Changes Induced in Mytilus Hemocytes by Selected Nanoparticles.

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Nanomaterial science
• Marine biology

Background:

• Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit diverse biological interactions based on their properties.
• Immune cells are key responders to external stimuli, including NPs.
• In vitro models are crucial for studying nano-bio-interactions in immune cells, including invertebrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of various nanoparticles on marine invertebrate immune cells.
• To evaluate the influence of exposure media on nanoparticle-immune cell interactions.
• To assess the potential of mussel hemocytes as an in vitro model for NP screening.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) hemocytes to different nanoparticles (PVP-AuNP, PS-NH2, PS-COOH).
• Evaluation of exposure media: artificial seawater (ASW) and hemolymph serum (HS).
• Assessment of hemocyte morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and functional parameters (lysosomal membrane stability, phagocytosis, lysozyme release).

Main Results:

• Nanoparticle type and exposure medium significantly altered mussel hemocyte morphology and function.
• Distinct responses were observed based on NP composition, size, and surface functionalization.
• Artificial seawater and hemolymph serum differentially influenced NP-hemocyte interactions.

Conclusions:

• Mussel hemocytes demonstrate sensitivity to various nanoparticles, making them a valuable in vitro model.
• This model allows for rapid pre-screening of nanoparticle impacts on marine invertebrates.
• Findings contribute to understanding the environmental risks of nanoparticles in marine ecosystems.