title: Efficacy of Pt-modified TiO(2) nanoparticles in cardiac cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The application of TiO(2) nanoparticles promises to revolutionize cardiac imaging and targeted medical treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A novel type of platinum-modified TiO(2) (Pt-TiO(2)) nanoparticle was synthesized and characterized. Commercially available P25 TiO(2) nanoparticles were used for comparison. Cellular toxicity and its mechanisms were evaluated by analyzing nanoparticle uptake, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential in rat cardiac (H9c2) cells.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was greater cellular uptake of Pt-TiO(2). Furthermore, Pt-TiO(2) caused a greater increase in oxidative stress and greater decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. These data suggest that Pt modification of TiO(2) nanoparticles rendered them more cytotoxic than their commercial counterparts at lower, more physiologically relevant concentrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the functional advantages of Pt modification, which results in increased uptake at a lower concentration, the corresponding increase in cardiotoxic effect indicates that a thoughtful, cautious approach to cardiac nanotechnologies is required.
authors.affiliation: Biology Department;
authors.forename: Adiel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mallik
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Puukila
authors.forename: Aicheng
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Neelam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Khaper