In vitro cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles on osteoblasts and osteoclasts at antibacterial concentrations.
Nanoparticulate silver coatings for orthopaedic implants promise to decrease postoperative infection rates. However, silver-induced cytotoxicity on bone cells has not been investigated in detail. This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of silver nano- and microparticles and Ag(+) on osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs) and correlated their effects with the antibacterial efficacy on Staphylococcus epidermidis. Silver nanoparticles (50 nm) exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on OBs and OCs. Weak cytotoxic effects were observed for silver microparticles (3 μm). The cytotoxicity was primarily mediated by a size-dependent release of Ag(+). Antibacterial effects occurred at Ag(+) concentrations that were 2-4 times higher than those inducing cytotoxic effects. Such adverse effects on OB and OC survival may have deleterious effects on the biocompatibility of orthopaedic implants. Our study represents an important step toward the detailed investigation of orthopaedic implant with nanoparticulate silver coatings prior to their widespread clinical usage.
Department of Clinical Research, Group for Bone Biology and Orthopedic Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Christoph E
CE
Albers
Wilhelm
W
Hofstetter
Klaus A
KA
Siebenrock
Regine
R
Landmann
Frank M
FM
Klenke
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000187:drug effects*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012834:Silver