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Are Biogenic and Pyrogenic Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles Safe for Normal Cells?
Katarzyna Solarska-Ściuk1, Kinga Adach2, Sylwia Cyboran-Mikołajczyk1
1Department of Physics and Biophysics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Naturally derived silica nanoparticles exhibit greater toxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production than synthetic ones. While generally biocompatible, prolonged exposure to silica nanoparticles affects red blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Silicon dioxide nanoparticles offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
- Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) from Urtica dioica L. and pyrogenic SiO2 NPs were investigated.
- Nanoparticle characterization confirmed sizes between 6-20 nm and amorphous structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biological effects of bio-derived and pyrogenic silica nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic activity and intracellular ROS generation of SiO2 NPs on HMEC-1 cells and erythrocytes.
- To assess the hemocompatibility of SiO2 NPs.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for nanoparticle characterization.
- Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays for cell viability.
- Measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
- Assessment of hemolysis, osmotic resistance, and erythrocyte morphology.
Main Results:
- Bio-derived SiO2 NPs demonstrated higher toxicity and ROS production compared to pyrogenic NPs.
- SiO2 NPs exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity on HMEC-1 cells.
- Prolonged erythrocyte exposure (24h) to SiO2 NPs increased hemolysis, decreased osmotic resistance, and altered cell shape.
Conclusions:
- Bio-derived mesoporous silica nanoparticles show increased toxicity and ROS induction potential compared to pyrogenic counterparts.
- While exhibiting initial hemocompatibility, prolonged exposure to SiO2 NPs negatively impacts erythrocyte integrity.
- These findings are crucial for understanding the biocompatibility and safety of silica nanoparticles in biomedical contexts.
