Toxicological potential of nanomaterials by concentration-dependent transcriptomics of human cells

Biological pathways altered by nanomaterials can be used to predict potential hazards to humans and wildlife. However, the impacts of particle size, charge, and chemical composition of nanomaterials on biological pathways in the cellular system are largely unknown. Here, the biological pathway profiles of ten typical metal oxide nanomaterials were obtained in A549 cells by using concentration-dependent transcriptomic analysis with reduced human transcriptome (RHT) technology. We further analysed the influence of particle size, charge, and chemical composition on the biological pathways affected by nanomaterials. All pathways activated by the ten metal oxide nanomaterials were related to inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis; however, the transcriptomic potencies of this group of materials differed by more than two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, nanomaterials with similar chemical compositions, particle sizes, and charges are more likely to cluster together based on profiles of altered pathways. In addition, small-sized manganese oxide nanomaterials are more likely to interfere with metabolic, cell component, and developmental pathways, whereas high-charge manganese oxide nanomaterials are more likely to activate pathways such as stress response, DNA damage, and hormone signalling. Concentration-dependent transcriptomic analysis can provide information on the biological pathways and associated potency, which can then provide references for future nanomaterial toxicity assessment and green metal oxide nanoparticle design.