title: Rational design of gold nanoparticle toxicology assays: a question of exposure scenario, dose and experimental setup.
abstract: Many studies have evaluated the toxicity of gold nanoparticles, although reliable predictions based on these results are rare. In order to overcome this problem, this article highlights strategies to improve comparability and standardization of nanotoxicological studies. To this end, it is proposed that we should adapt the nanomaterial to the addressed exposure scenario, using ligand-free nanoparticle references in order to differentiate ligand effects from size effects. Furthermore, surface-weighted particle dosing referenced to the biologically relevant parameter (e.g., cell number or organ mass) is proposed as the gold standard. In addition, it is recommended that we should shift the focus of toxicological experiments from 'live-dead' assays to the assessment of cell function, as this strategy allows observation of bioresponses at lower doses that are more relevant for in vivo scenarios.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Löffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Animal Health, Höltystraße 10, 31535 Mariensee, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rehbock
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Streich
authors.forename: Detlef
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rath
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barcikowski
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006046:Gold / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D006046:Gold
keywords: colloids; dosimetry; functional toxicity; implant debris; ligand; nanogold; nanomaterial; particle characterization; surfactant