Impact of silver nanoparticles on human cells: effect of particle size.
This work investigated the cytotoxicities of three silver nanoparticles (SNPs) SNP-5, SNP-20 and SNP-50 with different sizes ( approximately 5 nm, approximately 20 nm and approximately 50 nm) using four human cell models (A549, SGC-7901, HepG2 and MCF-7). Endpoints included cell morphology, cell viability, cellular membrane integrity, oxidative stress and cell cycle progression. Observable deleterious effects on the cell morphologies and membrane integrity were induced by SNP-5 and SNP-20. SNPs elevated the ROS levels in cells and arrested the cells at S phase. Apoptosis occurred for 4-9% of the exposed cells. All these cellular responses as well as EC50 values were found to be size-dependent for the tested SNPs. Ultrastructural observations confirmed the presence of SNPs inside cells. Elemental analysis of silver in cells by ICP-MS showed that smaller nanoparticles enter cells more easily than larger ones, which may be the cause of higher toxic effects. The findings may assist in the design of SNP applications and provide insights into their toxicity.
Liu
Wei
W
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Wu
Yuan
Y
Wang
Chang
C
Li
Hong C
HC
Wang
Thanh
T
Liao
Chun Y
CY
Cui
Lin
L
Zhou
Qun F
QF
Yan
Bing
B
Jiang
Gui B
GB
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line / Q000187:drug effects*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010316:Particle Size; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D012834:Silver; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005978:Glutathione