Biointerface Behavior of Layered Double Hydroxides: Dispersibility and Toxicity Assessment Using Experimental and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets are versatile nanomaterials with broad applications.
• Understanding their biological and environmental interactions is crucial for safe and sustainable use.
• Mg-Al LDH nanosheets require thorough investigation of their biointerface behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize Mg-Al LDH nanosheets.
• To evaluate the dispersibility, environmental stability, and biological interactions of Mg-Al LDH.
• To assess the safety profile of Mg-Al LDH nanosheets using integrated experimental and computational methods.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of Mg-Al LDH nanosheets.
• Dispersibility tests in various biological and environmental media.
• Cellular uptake, viability, ROS generation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and mitochondrial permeability assays in HepG2 and HL60 cells.
• Computational docking studies with apoptotic signaling proteins.

Main Results:

• Mg-Al LDH nanosheets exhibited stable dispersions in relevant media for up to 72 hours.
• Cellular uptake of Mg and Al was dose- and time-dependent; cytotoxicity observed at high concentrations (mg/L).
• No significant ROS generation or DNA damage at low concentrations (ng-μg/L); mitochondrial alterations occurred at higher doses without inducing apoptosis.
• Computational analysis revealed weak interactions with apoptotic proteins.
• Environmentally relevant concentrations (ng-μg/L) showed no significant adverse effects on cellular parameters.

Conclusions:

• Mg-Al LDH nanosheets demonstrate concentration-dependent biosafety.
• Favorable dispersion properties and intrinsic characteristics contribute to a low-hazard biological profile.
• Findings support the safe application of Mg-Al LDH nanosheets, particularly at environmentally relevant concentrations.