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Copper-based nanoparticles-associated neurotoxicity: ions or particles?
Zehra Keskin1, Can Özgür Yalçın2, Engin Yenilmez3
1Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Engineered copper nanoparticles (Cu-based NPs) show higher toxicity than copper ions. Cu2O NPs exhibit the most significant neurotoxicity, indicating nanoparticle-specific effects are crucial for safety assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Engineered nanomaterials, particularly copper-based nanoparticles (Cu-based NPs), are widely used.
- Concerns exist regarding their environmental and human health toxicity.
- The source of toxicity (nanoparticles vs. dissolved ions) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cellular uptake and toxicity of various Cu-based NPs (Cu, CuO, Cu2O, CuFe2O4) against ionic copper (CuCl2).
- To investigate the role of nanoparticle properties in neurotoxicity using the PC12 neuronal model.
Main Methods:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for cellular copper uptake.
- Cytotoxicity assays (MTT, NRU) to assess cell viability.
- Biochemical assays for oxidative stress (GSH, CAT, MDA) and DNA damage assessment.
Main Results:
- Cellular uptake of Cu-based NPs was dose- and particle-dependent, with CuO NPs showing the highest accumulation.
- All tested Cu-based NPs were more toxic than CuCl2.
- Cu2O NPs induced significant oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis, and DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- The oxidation state and formulation of Cu-based NPs significantly influence their neurotoxic potential.
- Cu2O NPs demonstrated the highest genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.
- Nanoparticle-specific toxicity mechanisms must be considered in safety evaluations, beyond simple ion dissolution.
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