RESUMEN
Cytotoxicity assessments of nanomaterials, such as silver nanoparticles, are challenging due to interferences with test reagents and indicators as well uncertainties in dosing as a result of the complex nature of nanoparticle intracellular accumulation. Furthermore, current theories suggest that silver nanoparticle cytotoxicity is a result of silver nanoparticle dissolution and subsequent ion release. This study introduces a novel technique, nanoparticle associated cytotoxicity microscopy analysis (NACMA), which combines fluorescence microscopy detection using ethidium homodimer-1, a cell permeability marker that binds to DNA after a cell membrane is compromised (a classical dead-cell indicator dye), with live cell time-lapse microscopy and image analysis to simultaneously investigate silver nanoparticle accumulation and cytotoxicity in L-929 fibroblast cells. Results of this method are consistent with traditional methods of assessing cytotoxicity and nanoparticle accumulation. Studies conducted on 10, 50, 100 and 200 nm silver nanoparticles reveal size dependent cytotoxicity with particularly high cytotoxicity from 10 nm particles. In addition, NACMA results, when combined with transmission electron microscopy imaging, reveal direct evidence of intracellular silver ion dissolution and possible nanoparticle reformation within cells for all silver nanoparticle sizes.
Asunto(s)
Fibroblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Nanopartículas del Metal/toxicidad , Plata/toxicidad , Animales , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Etidio/análogos & derivados , Etidio/química , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/patología , Humanos , Ratones , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Microscopía Fluorescente , Tamaño de la Partícula , Plata/metabolismo , Solubilidad , Propiedades de SuperficieRESUMEN
Due to their distinctive physiochemical properties, including a robust antibacterial activity and plasmonic capability, hundreds of consumer and medical products contain colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, even at sub-toxic dosages, AgNPs are able to disrupt cell functionality, through a yet unknown mechanism. Moreover, internalized AgNPs have the potential to prolong this disruption, even after the removal of excess particles. In the present study, we evaluated the impact, mechanism of action, and continual effects of 50 nm AgNP exposure on epidermal growth factor (EGF) signal transduction within a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. After AgNP expose, EGF signaling was initially obstructed due to the dissolution of particles into silver ions. However, at longer durations, the internalized AgNPs increased EGF signaling activity. This latter behavior correlated to sustained HaCaT stress, believed to be maintained through the continual dissolution of internalized AgNPs. This study raises concerns that even after exposure ceases, the retained nanomaterials are capable of acting as a slow-release mechanism for metallic ions; continually stressing and modifying normal cellular functionality.
Asunto(s)
Factor de Crecimiento Epidérmico/química , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Plata/química , Línea Celular , Humanos , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
In view of the vast number of new nanomaterials (NMs) that require testing and the constraints associated with animal models, the majority of studies to elucidate nanotoxicological effects have occurred in vitro, with limited correlation and applicability to in vivo systems and realistic, occupational exposure scenarios. In this study, we developed and implemented a chronic in vitro model coupled with lower, regulatory dosages in order to provide a more realistic assessment of NM-dependent consequences and illuminate the implications of long-term NM exposure. When keratinocytes were exposed to 50 nm silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), we determined that chronically dosed cells operated under augmented stress and modified functionality in comparison to their acute counterparts. Specifically, Ag-NP exposure through a chronic mechanism increased p38 activation, actin disorganization, heightened ki67 expression, and extensive gene modification. Additionally, chronic Ag-NP exposure altered the way in which cells perceived and responded to epidermal growth factor stimulation, indicating a transformation of cell functionality. Most importantly, this study demonstrated that chronic exposure in the pg/mL range to Ag-NPs did not induce a cytotoxic response, but instead activated sustained stress and signaling responses, suggesting that cells are able to cope with prolonged, low levels of Ag-NP exposure. In summary, we demonstrated that through implementation of a chronic dosimetry paradigm, which more closely resembles realistic NM exposure scenarios, it is possible to illuminate long-term cellular consequences, which greatly differ from previously obtained acute assessments.
Asunto(s)
Nanopartículas del Metal , Plata/química , Plata/toxicidad , Pruebas de Toxicidad , Línea Celular , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Familia de Proteínas EGF/metabolismo , Humanos , Queratinocitos/citología , Queratinocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Queratinocitos/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
In the field of toxicology of nanomaterials, scientists have not clearly determined if the observed toxicological events are due to the nanoparticles (NPs) themselves or the dissolution of ions released into the biophysiological environment or both phenomenon participate in combination based upon their bioregional and temporal occurrence during exposure conditions. Consequently, research involving the toxicological analysis of silver NPs (Ag-NPs) has shifted towards assessment of 'nanosized' silver in comparison to its solvated 'ionic' counterpart. Current literature suggests that dissolution of ions from Ag-NPs may play a key role in toxicity; however, the present assessment methodology to separate ions from NPs still requires improvement before a definitive cause of toxicity can be determined. Recently, centrifugation-based techniques have been employed to obtain solvated ions from the NP solution, but this approach leads to NP agglomeration, making further toxicological analysis difficult to assess. Additionally, extremely small NPs are retained in the supernatant even after ultracentrifugation, leading to incomplete separation of ions from their respective NPs. To address these complex toxicology issues we applied enhanced separation techniques with the aim to study levels of ions originating from the Ag-NP using separation by a recirculating tangential flow filtration system. This system uses a unique diffusion-driven filtration method that retains large particles within the continuous flow path, while allowing the solution (ions) to pass through molecular filters by lateral diffusion separation. Use of this technique provides reproducible NP separation from their solvated ions which permits for further quantification using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or comparison use in bioassay exposures to biological systems. In this study, we thoroughly characterised NPs in biologically relevant solutions to understand the dissolution of Ag-NPs (10 and 50 nm) over time. Our results suggest that the ion dissolution from Ag-NPs is dependent on parameters such as exposure time, chemical composition and temperature of the exposure solution. Further, the well-characterised separated ionic and NP solutions were exposed to a lung epithelial cell line (A549) to evaluate the toxicity of each fraction. Results suggest that although Ag-NPs (unseparated) show concentration-dependent toxicity, dissolution of ions appears to exacerbate the toxicological effect. This finding adds data to the set of probable toxic exposure mechanisms elicited by metallic nanomaterials and provides important consideration when assessing findings of key cell function modulation.
Asunto(s)
Filtración/métodos , Iones/análisis , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Plata/química , Líquidos Corporales , Medios de Cultivo , Filtración/instrumentación , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Iones/química , Iones/aislamiento & purificación , Nanopartículas del Metal/toxicidad , Modelos Biológicos , Tamaño de la Partícula , Plata/toxicidad , Temperatura , AguaRESUMEN
One of the primary challenges associated with nanoparticle-dependent biological applications is that endosomal entrapment in a physiological environment severely limits the desired targeting and functionality of the nanoconstructs. This study sought to overcome that challenge through a systematic approach of gold nanorod (GNR) functionalization: evaluating the influence of both aspect ratio and surface chemistry on targeted cellular internalization rates and preservation of particle integrity. Owing to their unique spectral properties and enhanced surface area, GNRs possess great potential for the advancement of nanobased delivery and imaging applications. However, their ability for efficient intracellular delivery while maintaining their specific physiochemical parameters has yet to be satisfactorily explored. This study identified that longer and positively charged GNRs demonstrated a higher degree of internalization compared to their shorter and negative counterparts. Notably, of the four surface chemistries explored, only tannic acid resulted in retention of GNR integrity following endocytosis into keratinocyte cells, due to the presence of a strong protein corona matrix that served to protect the particles. Taken together, these results identify tannic acid functionalized GNRs as a potential candidate for future development in nanobased biomolecule delivery, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications.
Asunto(s)
Endosomas/metabolismo , Oro/química , Nanotubos/química , Taninos/química , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Endocitosis , Endosomas/química , Humanos , Microscopía Confocal , Nanotubos/toxicidadRESUMEN
The rapid advancement of technology has led to an exponential increase of both nanomaterial and magnetic field utilization in applications spanning a variety of sectors. While extensive work has focused on the impact of these two variables on biological systems independently, the existence of any synergistic effects following concurrent exposure has yet to be investigated. This study sought to ascertain the induced alterations to the stress and proliferation responses of the human adult low calcium, high temperature keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line by the application of a static magnetic field (approximately 0.5 or 30 mT) in conjunction with either gold or iron oxide nanoparticles for a duration of 24 h. By evaluating targets at a cellular, protein, and genetic level a complete assessment of the HaCaT response was generated. A magnetic field-dependent proliferative effect was found (â¼15%), which correlated with a decrease in reactive oxygen species and a simultaneous increase in ki67 expression, all occurring independently of nanoparticle presence. Furthermore, the application of a static magnetic field was able to counteract the cellular stress response induced by nanoparticle exposure through a combination of decreased reactive oxygen species production and modification of gene regulation. Therefore, we conclude that while these variables each introduce the potential to uniquely influence physiological events, no negative synergistic reactions were identified.
Asunto(s)
Campos Magnéticos/efectos adversos , Nanopartículas del Metal/efectos adversos , Adulto , Calcio/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Queratinocitos/citología , Queratinocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Queratinocitos/metabolismo , Antígeno Ki-67/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Temperatura , Transcriptoma/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have been designated as superior tools for biological applications owing to their characteristic surface plasmon absorption/scattering and amperometric (electron transfer) properties, in conjunction with low or no immediate toxicity towards biological systems. Many studies have shown the ease of designing application-based tools using Au-NPs but the interaction of this nanosized material with biomolecules in a physiological environment is an area requiring deeper investigation. Immune cells such as lymphocytes circulate through the blood and lymph and therefore are likely cellular components to come in contact with Au-NPs. The main aim of this study was to mechanistically determine the functional impact of Au-NPs on B-lymphocytes. Using a murine B-lymphocyte cell line (CH12.LX), treatment with citrate-stabilized 10 nm Au-NPs induced activation of an NF-κB-regulated luciferase reporter, which correlated with altered B lymphocyte function (i.e. increased antibody expression). TEM imaging demonstrated that Au-NPs can pass through the cellular membrane and therefore could interact with intracellular components of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Based on the inherent property of Au-NPs to bind to -thiol groups and the presence of cysteine residues on the NF-κB signal transduction proteins IκB kinases (IKK), proteins specifically bound to Au-NPs were extracted from CH12.LX cellular lysate exposed to 10 nm Au-NPs. Electrophoresis identified several bands, of which IKKα and IKKß were immunoreactive. Further evaluation revealed activation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway as evidenced by IκBα phosphorylation at serine residues 32 and 36 followed by IκBα degradation and increased nuclear RelA. Additionally, expression of an IκBα super-repressor (resistant to proteasomal degradation) reversed Au-NP-induced NF-κB activation. Altered NF-κB signaling and cellular function in B-lymphocytes suggests a potential for off-target effects with in vivo applications of gold nanomaterials and underscores the need for more studies evaluating the interactions of nanomaterials with biomolecules and cellular components.
Asunto(s)
Oro/química , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Animales , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Linfocitos B/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Humanos , Proteínas I-kappa B/metabolismo , Inmunoglobulina A/metabolismo , Ratones , Inhibidor NF-kappaB alfa , Tamaño de la Partícula , Unión Proteica , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Compuestos de Sulfhidrilo/química , Transcripción GenéticaRESUMEN
This study examines the creation of a nano-featured biosensor platform designed for the rapid and selective detection of the bacterium Escherichia coli. The foundation of this sensor is carbon nanotubes decorated with gold nanoparticles that are modified with a specific, surface adherent ribonucleiuc acid (RNA) sequence element. The multi-step sensor assembly was accomplished by growing carbon nanotubes on a graphite substrate, the direct synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the nanotube surface, and the attachment of thiolated RNA to the bound nanoparticles. The application of the compounded nano-materials for sensor development has the distinct advantage of retaining the electrical behavior property of carbon nanotubes and, through the gold nanoparticles, incorporating an increased surface area for additional analyte attachment sites, thus increasing sensitivity. We successfully demonstrated that the coating of gold nanoparticles with a selective RNA sequence increased the capture of E. coli by 189% when compared to uncoated particles. The approach to sensor formation detailed in this study illustrates the great potential of unique composite structures in the development of a multi-array, electrochemical sensor for the fast and sensitive detection of pathogens.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas Biosensibles/métodos , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Oro/química , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Nanotubos de Carbono/química , ARN/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/ultraestructura , Nanopartículas del Metal/ultraestructura , Nanotubos de Carbono/ultraestructura , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Espectrofotometría UltravioletaRESUMEN
Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) have distinctive electronic and optical properties, making them ideal candidates for biological, medical, and defense applications. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the potential biological impact of AuNMs before employing them in any application. This study investigates two AuNMs with different aspect ratios (AR) on mediation of biological responses in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) to model potential skin exposure to these AuNMs. The cellular responses were evaluated by cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, alteration in gene and protein expression, and inflammatory response. Gold nanospheres, nominally 20 nm in diameter and coated with mercaptopropane sulfonate (AuNS-MPS), formed agglomerates when dispersed in cell culture media, had a large fractal dimension (D(f) = 2.57 ± 0.4) (i.e., tightly bound and densely packed) and were found to be nontoxic even at the highest dose of 100 µg/mL. Highly uniform, 16.7 nm diameter, and 43.8 nm long polyethylene glycol-capped gold nanorods (AuNR-PEG) also formed agglomerates when dispersed into the cell culture media. However, the agglomerates had a smaller fractal dimension (D(f) = 1.28 ± 0.08) (i.e., loosely bound) and were found to be cytotoxic to the HaCaT cells, with a significant decrease in cell viability occurring at 25 µg/mL and higher. Moreover, AuNR-PEG caused significant ROS production and up-regulated several genes involved in cellular stress and toxicity. These results, combined with increased levels of inflammatory and apoptotic proteins, demonstrated that the AuNR-PEG induced apoptosis. Exposure to AuNS-MPS, however, did not show any of the detrimental effects observed from the AuNR-PEG. Therefore, we conclude that shape appears to play a key role in mediating the cellular response to AuNMs.
Asunto(s)
Queratinocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Queratinocitos/metabolismo , Nanopartículas del Metal/efectos adversos , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Nanoestructuras/efectos adversos , Nanoestructuras/química , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Oro , Humanos , Queratinocitos/citología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
Metallic nanomaterials, including silver, gold, and iron oxide, are being utilized in an increasing number of fields and specialties. The use of nanosilver as an antimicrobial agent is becoming ever-more common, whereas gold and iron oxide nanomaterials are frequently utilized in the medical field due to their recognized "biocompatibility". Numerous reports have examined the general toxicity of these nanomaterials; however, little data exists on how the introduction of these nanomaterials, at nontoxic levels, affects normal cellular processes. In the present study the impact of low levels of 10 nm silver (Ag-NP), gold (Au-NP), and iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) on epidermal growth factor (EGF) signal transduction within the human epithelial cell line, A-431, was investigated. Following a biocompatibility assessment, the nanoparticle-induced interference at four specific targets within the EGF signaling process was evaluated: (1) nanoparticle-EGF association, (2) Akt and Erk phosphorylation, (3) Akt activity, and (4) EGF-dependent gene regulation. For all tested nanoparticles, following cellular exposure, a disruption in the EGF signaling response transpired; however, the metallic composition determined the mechanism of alteration. In addition to inducing high quantities of ROS, Ag-NPs attenuated levels of Akt and Erk phosphorylation. Au-NPs were found to decrease EGF-dependent Akt and Erk phosphorylation as well as inhibit Akt activity. Lastly, SPIONs produced a strong alteration in EGF activated gene transcription, with targeted genes influencing cell proliferation, migration, and receptor expression. These results demonstrate that even at low doses, introduction of Ag-NPs, Au-NPs, and SPIONs impaired the A-431 cell line's response to EGF.