Dose-, treatment- and time-dependent toxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on primary rat hepatocytes

Molecular mechanism of nanomaterials induced liver injury: A review

The unique physicochemical properties inherent to nanoscale materials have unveiled numerous potential applications, spanning beyond the pharmaceutical and medical sectors into various consumer industries like food and cosmetics. Consequently, humans encounter nanomaterials through diverse exposure routes, giving rise to potential health considerations. Noteworthy among these materials are silica and specific metallic nanoparticles, extensively utilized in consumer products, which have garnered substantial attention due to their propensity to accumulate and induce adverse effects in the liver. This review paper aims to provide an exhaustive examination of the molecular mechanisms underpinning nanomaterial-induced hepatotoxicity, drawing insights from both in vitro and in vivo studies. Primarily, the most frequently observed manifestations of toxicity following the exposure of cells or animal models to various nanomaterials involve the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, we delve into the existing in vitro models employed for evaluating the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials, emphasizing the persistent endeavors to advance and bolster the reliability of these models for nanotoxicology research.

Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.

Iron oxide nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology and material science have developed enormously fast in recent years. Due to their excellent magnetic properties, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been broadly applied in the field of bioengineering and biomedical. Thus, it is important to evaluate the safety issues and health effects of these nanomaterials. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of IONPs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS

The cytotoxic potential of IONPs was assessed by MTT and neutral red uptake (NRU) assays. The impact of IONPs on oxidative stress markers (glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was also examined. Furthermore, the toxic effect of IONPs was quantified by assessing DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis by quantitative real time PCR.

RESULTS

We found that IONPs induce a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on HUVECs with IC50 value of 79.13 μg/mL. The results also displayed that IONPs induce oxidative stress, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction. The comet assay results exhibited IONPs induces DNA damage in HUVECs. We found significant cell cycle arrest at SubG1 phase in treated cells and consequent cell death was evidenced by microscopic analysis. Moreover, IONPs display substantial up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene evidenced by real time qPCR.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results clearly demonstrated that IONPs have the potential to induce cytotoxicity, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in HUVECs mediated through oxidative stress and ROS production. Thus, IONPs are cytotoxic and it should be handled with proper care.

Antibacterial properties and osteoblast interactions of microfluidically synthesized chitosan - SPION composite nanoparticles

In this research, a multi-step microfluidic reactor was used to fabricate chitosan - superparamagnetic iron oxide composite nanoparticles (Ch - SPIONs), where composite formation using chitosan was aimed to provide antibacterial property and nanoparticle stability for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Monodispersed Ch - SPIONs had an average particle size of 8.8 ± 1.2 nm with a magnetization value of 32.0 emu/g. Ch - SPIONs could be used as an MRI contrast agent by shortening T2 relaxation parameter of the surrounding environment, as measured on a 3 T MRI scanner. In addition, Ch - SPIONs with concentrations less than 1 g/L promoted bone cell (osteoblast) viability up to 7 days of culture in vitro in the presence of 0.4 T external static magnetic field. These nanoparticles were also tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), which are dangerous pathogens that cause infection in tissues and biomedical devices. Upon interaction of Ch - SPIONs with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at 0.01 g/L concentration, nearly a 2-fold reduction in the number of colonies was observed for both bacteria strains at 48 h of culture. Results cumulatively showed that Ch - SPIONs were potential candidates as a cytocompatible and antibacterial agent that can be targeted to biofilm and imaged using an MRI.

Kahweol, a coffee diterpene, increases lifespan via insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in Caenorhabditiselegans

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages and is known to have many health benefits. Our previous study reported that kahweol, a diterpene found in coffee, reduced fat accumulation by reducing food intake in Caenorhabditis elegans. Based on the widely known observation of caloric restriction and lifespan, we determined if kahweol extends lifespan in C. elegans. Kahweol significantly extended the lifespan of wild-type C. elegans. However, kahweol increased the lifespan of the eat-2 null mutant that has a reduced food intake phenotype, suggesting that kahweol extends lifespan independent of reduced food intake. Therefore, we further determine the target of kahweol on lifespan extension. Kahweol had no effects on the lifespan of both daf-2 (the homolog of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor) and daf-16 (the homolog of Forkhead box O transcription factor and a major downstream target of daf-2) null mutants, suggesting kahweol extended lifespan via insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway. In addition, kahweol failed to extend lifespan in tub-1 (the homolog of TUB bipartite transcription factor) and aak-2 (the homolog of AMP-activated protein kinase) null mutants, suggesting these roles on kahweol's effect on lifespan. However, the treatment of kahweol increased the lifespan in sir-2.1 (the homolog of NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1) and skn-1 (the homolog of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) null mutants over the control, suggesting independent functions of these genes on kahweol's lifespan extension. These results indicate that the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and AMPK pathways may play critical roles in extending lifespan by kahweol in C. elegans.

Dextran/eudragit S-100 based redox sensitive nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy

Herein, we present disulfide crosslinked dextran/eudragit S-100 nanoparticles (DEEU NPs) (≈55 nm) for colorectal cancer treatment. These redox environment sensitive DEEU NPs are synthesized by simple oxidation of thiolated polymers in air. This approach allows avoiding the use of any additional chemical crosslinker. These DEEU NPs have high encapsulation efficiency for the doxorubicin (DOX) model drug (≈95%). The prepared DEEU NPs are redox sensitive owing to disulfide units and exhibit ≈80% DOX release in the reducing environment of GSH. Additionally, DOX-DEEU NPs display enhanced cytotoxicity for HCT116 cancer cells as compared to free DOX. Annexin V staining results also support the higher anticancer efficiency of DOX-DEEU NPs via induction of apoptosis. In vivo biodistribution results demonstrate that DEEU NPs can remain in the colon region for up to 24 hours. These results indicate that DEEU NPs can act as a promising platform for colorectal cancer treatment.

Evaluation of drug carrier hepatotoxicity using primary cell culture models

This study aims to establish a primary rat hepatocyte culture model to evaluate dose-dependent hepatotoxic effects of drug carriers (lipopolymer nanoparticles; LPNs) temporal. Primary rat hepatocyte cell cultures were used to determine half-maximal Inhibition Concentrations (IC50) of the drug-carrier library. Drug-carrier library, at concentrations <50 μg/mL, is benign to primary rat hepatocytes as determined using albumin and urea secretions. Albumin, as a hepatic biomarker, exhibited a more sensitive and faster outcome, compared to urea, for the determination of the IC50 value of LPNs. Temporal measurements of hepatic biomarkers including urea and albumin, and rigorous physicochemical (hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, etc.) characterization, should be combined to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of drug carrier libraries in screens.

Mechanistic modelling of targeted pulmonary delivery of dactinomycin iron oxide-loaded nanoparticles for lung cancer therapy

With the increase in respiratory conditions including lung cancer post covid-19 pandemic, drug-loaded nanoparticulate dry powder inhalers (DPIs) can facilitate targeted lung delivery as a patient-friendly, non-invasive method. The aim of this work was to synthesise and optimise iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) containing dactinomycin as a model drug, using Quality by Design principles. Chitosan and sodium alginate were investigated as polymeric coatings. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), fine particle fraction (FPF), burst-effect (BE), entrapment-efficiency and the emitted-dose (ED) were investigated in initial screening studies and outcomes used to set up a Design of Experiments. Results revealed that chitosan IONPs were superior to that of sodium alginate in delivering DPI with optimal properties [ED (89.9%), FPF (59.7%), MMAD (1.59 µm) and BE (12.7%)]. Design space for targeted IONPs included formulations containing 2.1-2.5% dactinomycin and 0.5-0.9% chitosan. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction and SEM-EDS analysis revealed effective formation of IONPs, and TEM images revealed the production of spherical IONPs with particle size of 4.4 ± 0.77 nm. This work overcame the light sensitivity of dactinomycin to potentially target the high molecular weight drugs to the lungs, with controlled delivery based on a reduced burst effect.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Combined with Static Magnetic Fields in Bone Remodeling

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are extensively used in bone-related studies as biomaterials due to their unique magnetic properties and good biocompatibility. Through endocytosis, IONPs enter the cell where they promote osteogenic differentiation and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Static magnetic fields (SMFs) were also found to enhance osteoblast differentiation and hinder osteoclastic differentiation. Once IONPs are exposed to an SMF, they become rapidly magnetized. IONPs and SMFs work together to synergistically enhance the effectiveness of their individual effects on the differentiation and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This article reviewed the individual and combined effects of different types of IONPs and different intensities of SMFs on bone remodeling. We also discussed the mechanism underlying the synergistic effects of IONPs and SMFs on bone remodeling.

Administration Routes as Modulators of the Intrahepatic Distribution and Anti-Anemic Activity of Salicylic Acid/Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

The liver is a key organ in the pharmacokinetics of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). This paper examined how the intravenous (IV) or intragastric (IG) route of administration influenced the intrahepatic distribution or therapeutic effects of IONPs. Wistar rats, some with bleeding-induced anemia, and iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with salicylic acid (SaIONPs), with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 73 nm, compatible with rat sinusoid fenestrations, were used in this study. Light microscopy and multispectral camera analysis of Prussian blue labeled SaIONPs allowed mapping of intrahepatic nanoparticle deposits and revealed intrahepatic distribution patterns specific to each route of administration: loading of Kupffer cells and periportal hepatocytes when the IV route was used and predominant loading of hepatocytes when the IG route was used. Reducing the time to return to baseline values for hemoglobin (HGB) in rats with bleeding-induced anemia with IV or IG therapy has proven the therapeutic potential of SaIONPs in such anemias. The long-term follow-up showed that IV therapy resulted in higher HGB values. Proper use of the administration routes may modulate intrahepatic distribution and therapeutic effects of nanoparticles. These results may be beneficial in theragnosis of liver disease.

Synthesis and biological impacts of pollen shells/Fe3O4 nanoparticles composites on human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

INTRODUCTION

Cell-adhesive surfaces play a pivotal role in biomedical engineering, as most biological reactions take place on surfaces. Pollen shell (PSh) ofPistacia vera L., as a new medical device, has previously been reported to cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MG-63 bone cancer cells.

METHODS

Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were synthesized and their reaction to PShs was gauged at different concentrations, and then characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectra, dynamic light scattering, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the biological impacts of PShs/Fe3O4NPs composites on MG-63 cells were investigated in-vitro using MTT assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Annexin V/propidium iodide, FESEM, and DAPI staining.

RESULTS

Fe3O4NPs with a size range of 24-40 nm and a zeta potential value of -37.4 mV were successfully assembled on the PShs. The viability of MG-63 cells was significantly decreased when cultured on the magnetic PShs as compared to non-magnetic PShs, in Fe3O4 concentration and time-dependent manner. In contrast, magnetic PShs had a positive effect on the viability of normal human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The analysis of apoptosis-related genes in cancer cells revealed that loading Fe3O4NPs on PShs increased expression of BAX/BCL2 and caspase-3 genes. The increased apoptotic activity of combined PShs/Fe3O4NPs was further confirmed by flow cytometric measurement, morphological analysis, and DAPI staining.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of Fe3O4NPs into PShs could effectively increase anticancer effects on MG-63 cells via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway, evident by upregulation of BAX/BCL2 ratio and caspase-3.

Liver Histopathological Changes Related to Intraperitoneal Administration of Salicylic Acid/Fe3O4 Nanoparticles to C57BL/6 Mice

With a simple synthesis and easy engineering of physicochemical properties, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have become widely used in multiple biomedical applications. The study of IONPs toxicity has become an important issue, especially as the results reported so far are contradictory and range from lack of toxicity to cellular toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes induced in mouse liver by long-term intraperitoneal injection of low doses of IONPs functionalized with salicylic acid (SaIONPs). The study was performed on C57BL/6 mice that received by intraperitoneal injection (IP), every two days, 0.6ml of SaIONPs aqueous suspension (35mg/kg body weight SaIONPs that contained 20mg/kg body weight of Fe3O4) for 28 days. The results of this study showed that the cumulative dose of 105mg/kg body weight SaIONPs (62mg/kg body weight of Fe3O4) induced histopathological changes in the subcapsular region of the mouse liver, possible by the release of salicylic acid into the peritoneal cavity. The cumulative dose of 244mg/kg body weight SaIONPs (145mg/kg body weight of Fe3O4) induced liver centrilobular necrosis, which requires the use of lower doses in biological applications. However, this may prove to be beneficial in the case of targeted accumulation of SaIONPs.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Hollow Pollen Grains/Fe3 O4 Nanoparticles Composites as Potential Medical Devices

Recently, pollen grains (PGs) have been introduced as drug carriers and scaffolding building blocks. This study aimed to assess the in-vitro biocompatibility of Pistacia vera L. hollow PGs/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (HPGs/Fe3O4NPs) composites using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs). In this regard, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were assembled on the surface of HPGs at different concentrations. The biocompatibility of the prepared composites was assessed through MTT assay, apoptosis-related gene expression and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis. Compared to the bare HPGs, the HPGs/Fe3O4NPs exhibited a biphasic impact on hAD-MSCs. The composite containing 1% Fe3O4NPs demonstrated no cytotoxicity up to 21 days while higher Fe3O4NPs contents and long-term exposure revealed adverse effects on the hAD-MSCs’ growth. The obtained result was verified by the qRT-PCR and morphological analysis carried out through FE-SEM which suggests that a narrow region below 1% Fe3O4NPs may be the optimum choice for medicinal applications of HPGs/Fe3O4NPs microdevices.

Effects of VO2 nanoparticles on human liver HepG2 cells: Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders

The rapid development of smart materials stimulates the production of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) nanomaterials. This significantly increases the population exposure to VO₂ nanomaterials via different pathways, and thus urges us to pay more attentions to their biosafety. Liver is the primary accumulation organ of nanomaterials in vivo, but the knowledge of effects of VO₂ nanomaterials on the liver is extremely lacking. In this work, we comprehensively evaluated the effects of a commercial VO₂ nanoparticle, S-VO₂, in a liver cell line HepG2 to illuminate the potential hepatic toxicity of VO₂ nanomaterials. The results indicated that S-VO₂ was cytotoxic and genotoxic to HepG2 cells, mainly by inhibiting the cell proliferation. Apoptosis was observed at higher dose of S-VO₂, while DNA damage was detected at all tested concentrations. S-VO₂ particles were internalized by HepG2 cells and kept almost intact inside cells. Both the particle and dissolved species of S-VO₂ contributed to the observed toxicities. They induced the overproduction of ROS, and then caused the mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP synthesis interruption, and DNA damages, consequently arrested the cell cycle in G2/M phase and inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The S-VO₂ exposure also resulted in the upregulations of glucose uptake and lipid content in HepG2 cells, which were attributed to the ROS production and autophagy flux block, respectively. Our findings offer valuable insights into the liver toxicity of VO₂ nanomaterials, benefiting their safely practical applications.

Understanding the influence of experimental factors on bio-interactions of nanoparticles: Towards improving correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies

Bionanotechnology has developed rapidly over the past two decades, owing to the extensive and versatile, functionalities and applicability of nanoparticles (NPs). Fifty-one nanomedicines have been approved by FDA since 1995, out of the many NPs based formulations developed to date. The general conformation of NPs consists of a core with ligands coating their surface, that stabilizes them and provides them with added functionalities. The physicochemical properties, especially the surface composition of NPs influence their bio-interactions to a large extent. This review discusses recent studies that help understand the nano-bio interactions of iron oxide and gold NPs with different surface compositions. We discuss the influence of the experimental factors on the outcome of the studies and, thus, the importance of standardization in the field of nanotechnology. Recent studies suggest that with careful selection of experimental parameters, it is possible to improve the positive correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies. This provides a fundamental understanding of the NPs which helps in assessing their potential toxic side effects and may aid in manipulating them further to improve their biocompatibility and biosafety.

Hepatotoxicity induced by nanomaterials: mechanisms and in vitro models

The unique physicochemical properties of materials at nanoscale have opened a plethora of opportunities for applications in the pharmaceutical and medical field, but also in consumer products from food and cosmetics industries. As a consequence, daily human exposure to nanomaterials through distinct routes is considerable and, therefore, may raise health concerns. Many nanomaterials have been described to accumulate and induce adversity in the liver. Among these, silica and some types of metallic nanoparticles are the most broadly used in consumer products and, therefore, the most studied and reported. The reviewed literature was collected from PubMed.gov during the month of March 2020 using the search words "nanomaterials induced hepatotoxicity", which yielded 181 papers. This present paper reviews the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials described in in vitro and in vivo studies, with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms. The induction of oxidative stress and inflammation are the manifestations of toxicity most frequently reported following exposure of cells or animal models to different nanomaterials. Furthermore, the available in vitro models for the evaluation of the hepatotoxic effects of nanomaterials are discussed, highlighting the continuous interest in the development of more advanced and reliable in vitro models for nanotoxicology.

A Magnetic Iron Oxide/Polydopamine Coating Can Improve Osteogenesis of 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Scaffolds with a Static Magnetic Field by Upregulating the TGFβ-Smads Pathway

3D-printed porous titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti6Al4V, pTi) scaffolds offer surgeons a good option for the reconstruction of large bone defects, especially at the load-bearing sites. However, poor osteogenesis limits its application in clinic. In this study, a new magnetic coating is successfully fabricated by codepositing of Fe₃ O₄ nanoparticles and polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of 3D-printed pTi scaffolds, which enhances cell attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro and new bone formation of rabbit femoral bone defects in vivo with/without a static magnetic field (SMF). Furthermore, through proteomic analysis, the enhanced osteogenic effect of the magnetic Fe₃ O₄ /PDA coating with the SMF is found to be related to upregulate the TGFβ-Smads signaling pathway. Therefore, this work provides a simple protocol to improve the osteogenesis of 3D-printed porous pTi scaffolds, which will help their application in clinic.

A Study of the Cellular Uptake of Magnetic Branched Amphiphilic Peptide Capsules

Understanding cellular uptake mechanisms of nanoparticles with therapeutic potential has become critical in the field of drug delivery. Elucidation of cellular entry routes can aid in the dissection of the complex intracellular trafficking and potentially allow for the manipulation of nanoparticle fate after cellular delivery (i.e., avoid lysosomal degradation). Branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs) are peptide nanoparticles that have been and are being explored as delivery systems for nucleic acids and other therapeutic molecules in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we determined the cellular uptake routes of BAPCs with and without a magnetic nanobead core (BAPc-MNBs) in two cell lines: macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. We also studied the influence of size and growth media composition in this cellular process. Substituting the water-filled core with magnetic nanobeads might provide the peptide bilayer nanocapsules with added functionalities, facilitating their use in bio/immunoassays, magnetic field guided drug delivery, and magnetofection among others. Results suggest that BAPc-MNBs are internalized into the cytosol using more than one endocytic pathway. Flow cytometry and analysis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) demonstrated that cell viability was minimally impacted by BAPc-MNBs. Cellular uptake pathways of peptide vesicles remain poorly understood, particularly with respect to endocytosis and intracellular trafficking. Outcomes from these studies provide a fundamental understanding of the cellular uptake of this peptide-based delivery system which will allow for strengthening of their delivery capabilities and expanding their applications both in vitro and in vivo.

Homing of Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) Labeled Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Magnetic Attraction in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Introduction

Stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are intended to replace lost dopaminergic neurons. The basis of this treatment is to guide the migration of transplanted cells into the target tissue or injury site. The aim of this study is an evaluation of the homing of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) labeled adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) by an external magnetic field in a rat model of PD.

Methods

ADSCs were obtained from perinephric regions of male adult rats and cultured in a DMEM medium. ADSC markers were assessed by immunostaining with CD90, CD105, CD49d, and CD45. The SPION was coated using poly-L-lysine hydrobromide and transfection was determined in rat ADSC using the GFP reporter gene. For this in vivo study, rats with PD were divided into five groups: a positive control group, a control group with PD (lesion with 6-HD injection), and three treatment groups: the PD/ADSC group (PD transplant with ADSCs transfected by BrdU), PD/ADSC/SPION group (PD transplant with ADSCs labeled with SPION and transfected by GFP), and the PD/ADSC/SPION/EM group (PD transplant with ADSCs labeled with SPION and transfected by GFP induced with external magnet).

Results

ADSCs were immunoreactive to fat markers CD90 (90.73±1.7), CD105 (87.4±2.9) and CD49d (79.6±2.6), with negative immunostaining at the hematopoietic stem cell marker (CD45: 1.4±0.4). The efficiency of cells with SPION/PLL was about 96% of ADSC. The highest number of GFP-positive cells was in the ADSC/SPION/EM group (54.5±1.3), which was significantly different from that in ADSC/SPION group (30.83±3 and P<0.01).

Conclusion

Transfection of ADSC by SPION/PLL is an appropriate protocol for cell therapy. External magnets can be used for the delivery and homing of transplanted stem cells in the target tissue.

SiO2-PVA-Fe(acac)3 Hybrid Based Superparamagnetic Nanocomposites for Nanomedicine: Morpho-textural Evaluation and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay

A facile sol-gel route has been applied to synthesize hybrid silica-PVA-iron oxide nanocomposite materials. A step-by-step calcination (processing temperatures up to 400 °C) was applied in order to oxidize the organics together with the iron precursor. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, small angle neutron scattering, and nitrogen porosimetry were used to determine the temperature-induced morpho-textural modifications. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was conducted by monitoring the cell viability by the means of MTT assay to qualify the materials as MRI contrast agents or as drug carriers. Two cell lines were considered: the HaCaT (human keratinocyte cell line) and the A375 tumour cell line of human melanoma. Five concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 200 µg/mL were tested, while using DMSO (dimethylsulfoxid) and PBS (phosphate saline buffer) as solvents. The HaCaT and A375 cell lines were exposed to the prepared agent suspensions for 24 h. In the case of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) suspensions, the effect on human keratinocytes migration and proliferation were also evaluated. The results indicate that only the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL of the nanocomposite in DMSO induced a slight decrease in the HaCaT cell viability. The PBS based in vitro assay showed that the nanocomposite did not present toxicity on the HaCaT cells, even at high doses (200 μg/mL agent).

Sensitization of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells by magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles: an in vitro study

Aim: To investigate potential of magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) to sensitize cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin, which to the best of found knowledge has not been reported previously. Materials & methods: MION with a diameter of approximately 20 nm were synthesized, and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction and particle size analyzer. Results: The synthesized MION have increased reactive oxygen species levels and decreased glutathione levels in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3). Using MTT, capsase-3 activity and live/dead assays, capability of the synthesized MION to sensitize cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells has been illustrated. Conclusion: Thus, for further investigations, the synthesized MION can be considered as a potent agent enabling much more effective cisplatin-based therapies for ovarian cancer.

The Toxicity Of Metallic Nanoparticles On Liver: The Subcellular Damages, Mechanisms, And Outcomes

Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are new engineering materials with broad prospects for biomedical applications; thus, their biosafety has drawn great concern. The liver is the main detoxification organ of vertebrates. However, many issues concerning the interactions between MNPs and biological systems (cells and tissues) are unclear, particularly the toxic effects of MNPs on hepatocytes and other liver cells. Numerous researchers have shown that some MNPs can induce decreased cell survival rate, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial damage, DNA strand breaks, and even autophagy, pyroptosis, apoptosis, or other forms of cell death. Our review focuses on the recent researches on the liver toxicity of MNPs and its mechanisms at cellular and subcellular levels to provide a scientific basis for the subsequent hepatotoxicity studies of MNPs.

A microfluidic 3D hepatocyte chip for hepatotoxicity testing of nanoparticles

Aim: To develop a practical microfluidic 3D hepatocyte chip for hepatotoxicity testing of nanoparticles using proof of concept studies providing first results of the potential hepatotoxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) under microfluidic conditions. Methods: A microfluidic 3D hepatocyte chip with three material layers, which contains primary rat hepatocytes, has been fabricated and tested using different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μg/ml) of SPION in 3-day (short-term) and 1-week (long-term) cultures. Results: Compared with standard well plates, the hepatocyte chip with flow provided comparable viability and significantly higher liver-specific functions, up to 1 week. In addition, the chip recapitulates the key physiological responses in the hepatotoxicity of SPION. Conclusion: Thus, the developed 3D hepatocyte chip is a robust and highly sensitive platform for investigating hepatotoxicity profiles of nanoparticles.

The Toxicity Assessment of Iron Oxide (Fe₃O₄) Nanoparticles on Physical and Biochemical Quality of Rainbow Trout Spermatozoon

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of different doses (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/L) of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) at 4 °C for 24 h on the kinematics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) spermatozoon. Firstly, Fe₃O₄ NPs were prepared at about 30 nm from Iron (III) chloride, Iron (II) chloride, and NH₃ via a co-precipitation synthesis technique. Then, the prepared Fe₃O₄ NPs were characterized by different instrumental techniques for their chemical structure, purity, morphology, surface properties, and thermal behavior. The size, microstructure, and morphology of the prepared Fe₃O₄ NPs were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The thermal properties of the Fe₃O₄ NPs were determined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis techniques. According to our results, there were statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the velocities of spermatozoon after treatment with 400 mg/L Fe₃O₄ NPs. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were significant (p < 0.05) decrease after 100 mg/L in after exposure to Fe₃O₄ NPs in 24 h. As the doses of Fe₃O₄ NPs increases, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH) significantly (p < 0.05) increased at doses of 400 and 800 mg/L.