Effect of sonication and serum proteins on copper release from copper nanoparticles and the toxicity towards lung epithelial cells.
Abstract Different methodological settings can influence particle characteristics and toxicity in nanotoxicology. The aim of this study was to investigate how serum proteins and sonication of Cu nanoparticle suspensions influence the properties of the nanoparticles and toxicological responses on human lung epithelial cells. This was investigated by using methods for particle characterization (photon correlation spectroscopy and TEM) and Cu release (atomic absorption spectroscopy) in combination with assays for analyzing cell toxicity (MTT-, trypan blue- and Comet assay). The results showed that sonication of Cu nanoparticles caused decreased cell viability and increased Cu release compared to non-sonicated particles. Furthermore, serum in the cell medium resulted in less particle agglomeration and increased Cu release compared with medium without serum, but no clear difference in toxicity was detected. Few cells showed intracellular Cu nanoparticles due to fast release/dissolution processes of Cu. In conclusion; sonication can affect the toxicity of nanoparticles.
Unit for Analytical Toxicology, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Pontus
P
Cronholm
Klara
K
Midander
Hanna L
HL
Karlsson
Karine
K
Elihn
Inger Odnevall
IO
Wallinder
Lennart
L
Möller
D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D020552:Comet Assay; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000166:cytology*; D008422:Materials Testing; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010316:Particle Size; D013010:Sonication
D001798:Blood Proteins; D003300:Copper