Investigation of Cell Damage Induced by Silver Nanoparticles in a Model Cell System

Background/Objectives: The growing diversity of novel nanoparticle synthesis methods, particularly for silver nanoparticles (AgNP), coupled with their significant biological activity and wide range of applications across various medical fields, necessitates a comprehensive investigation into the consequences of particle-induced cellular damage. This study aimed to investigate AgNP-induced damage to macrophage plasma membranes, focusing on concentration, temperature, incubation time, and the role of pro- and antioxidant factors, using model systems based on mouse peritoneal macrophages. Methods: Mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with AgNP (0.1-10 μg/mL) at temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 37 °C. Membrane integrity was assessed via microfluorimetric analysis. The influence of prooxidant (UV-B) and antioxidant (serotonin) factors was also examined. A mathematical model was developed to describe the interaction between AgNP and macrophages. Results: The diameter of our synthesized silver nanoparticles, assessed via dynamic light scattering (DLS), ranged from 5 to 170 nm, with a predominant size distribution peak at 70 nm. AgNP caused dose- and temperature-dependent membrane damage, which was more pronounced at 4 °C and 37 °C than at 22 °C and increased with incubation time. UV-B enhanced membrane damage, while serotonin mitigated it. The mathematical model correlated strongly with the experimental data, emphasizing the role of ROS in membrane disruption. AgNP also dose-dependently increased ROS generation by macrophages. Conclusions: AgNP, in doses of 0.1-10 μg/mL, induces dose-dependent membrane damage in macrophages. The developed model is a useful tool for predicting nanoparticle toxicity. Together with the experimental findings, it highlights the critical role of ROS, lipid peroxidation, the lipid bilayer state, and antioxidant defenses in AgNP-induced membrane damage.