Occupational exposure to airborne nickel is associated with an elevated risk for respiratory tract diseases including lung cancer. Therefore, the increased production of Ni-containing nanoparticles ...necessitates a thorough assessment of their physical, chemical, as well as toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the characteristics of nickel metal (Ni) and nickel oxide (NiO) particles with a focus on Ni release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Four Ni-containing particles of both nano-size (Ni-n and NiO-n) and micron-size (Ni-m1 and Ni-m2) were tested. The released amount of Ni in solution was notably higher in artificial lysosomal fluid (e.g. 80-100 wt% for metallic Ni) than in cell medium after 24h (ca. 1-3 wt% for all particles). Each of the particles was taken up by the cells within 4 h and they remained in the cells to a high extent after 24 h post-incubation. Thus, the high dissolution in ALF appeared not to reflect the particle dissolution in the cells. Ni-m1 showed the most pronounced effect on cell viability after 48 h (alamar blue assay) whereas all particles showed increased cytotoxicity in the highest doses (20-40 μg cm2) when assessed by colony forming efficiency (CFE). Interestingly an increased CFE, suggesting higher proliferation, was observed for all particles in low doses (0.1 or 1 μg cm-2). Ni-m1 and NiO-n were the most potent in causing acellular ROS and DNA damage. However, no intracellular ROS was detected for any of the particles. Taken together, micron-sized Ni (Ni-m1) was more reactive and toxic compared to the nano-sized Ni. Furthermore, this study underlines that the low dose effect in terms of increased proliferation observed for all particles should be further investigated in future studies.
Toxicological studies have shown increased toxicity of nanoparticles (<100
nm) compared to micrometer particles of the same composition, which has raised concern about the impact on human health from ...nanoparticles. However, if this is true for a wide range of particles with different chemical composition is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the toxicity of nano- and micrometer particles of some metal oxides (Fe
2O
3, Fe
3O
4, TiO
2 and CuO). The ability of the particles to cause cell death, mitochondrial damage, DNA damage and oxidative DNA lesions were evaluated after exposure of the human cell line A549. This study showed that nanoparticles of CuO were much more toxic compared to CuO micrometer particles. One key mechanism may be the ability of CuO to damage the mitochondria. In contrast, the micrometer particles of TiO
2 caused more DNA damage compared to the nanoparticles, which is likely explained by the crystal structures. The iron oxides showed low toxicity and no clear difference between the different particle sizes. In conclusion, nanoparticles are not always more toxic than micrometer particles, but the high toxicity of CuO nanoparticles shows that the nanolevel gives rise to specific concern.
Nanoscale particles can have impressive and useful characteristics, but the same properties may be problematic for human health. From this perspective it is critical to assess the ability of ...nanoparticles to cause DNA damage. This review focuses on the use of the comet assay in nanotoxicology research. In the alkaline version of the assay, DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites are detected and oxidatively damaged DNA can be analyzed using the enzyme formamidopyrimidine glycosylase. The article reviews studies that have used the comet assay to investigate the toxicity of manufactured nanoparticles. It is shown that at least 46 cellular in vitro studies and several in vivo studies have used the comet assay and that the majority of the nanoparticles tested cause DNA strand breaks or oxidative DNA lesions. This is not surprising considering the sensitivity of the method and the reactivity of many nanomaterials. Interactions between the particles and the assay cannot be totally excluded and need further consideration. It is concluded that studies including several particle types, to enable the assessment of their relative potency, are valuable as are studies focusing both on comet assay end points and mutagenicity. Finally, the article discusses the potential future use of the comet assay in human biomonitoring studies, which could provide valuable information for hazard identification of nanoparticles.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently one of the most manufactured nanomaterials. A wide range of toxicity studies have been performed on various AgNPs, but these studies report a high variation ...in toxicity and often lack proper particle characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate size- and coating-dependent toxicity of thoroughly characterized AgNPs following exposure of human lung cells and to explore the mechanisms of toxicity.
BEAS-2B cells were exposed to citrate coated AgNPs of different primary particle sizes (10, 40 and 75 nm) as well as to 10 nm PVP coated and 50 nm uncoated AgNPs. The particle agglomeration in cell medium was investigated by photon cross correlation spectroscopy (PCCS); cell viability by LDH and Alamar Blue assay; ROS induction by DCFH-DA assay; genotoxicity by alkaline comet assay and γH2AX foci formation; uptake and intracellular localization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and cellular dose as well as Ag release by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
The results showed cytotoxicity only of the 10 nm particles independent of surface coating. In contrast, all AgNPs tested caused an increase in overall DNA damage after 24 h assessed by the comet assay, suggesting independent mechanisms for cytotoxicity and DNA damage. However, there was no γH2AX foci formation and no increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reasons for the higher toxicity of the 10 nm particles were explored by investigating particle agglomeration in cell medium, cellular uptake, intracellular localization and Ag release. Despite different agglomeration patterns, there was no evident difference in the uptake or intracellular localization of the citrate and PVP coated AgNPs. However, the 10 nm particles released significantly more Ag compared with all other AgNPs (approx. 24 wt% vs. 4-7 wt%) following 24 h in cell medium. The released fraction in cell medium did not induce any cytotoxicity, thus implying that intracellular Ag release was responsible for the toxicity.
This study shows that small AgNPs (10 nm) are cytotoxic for human lung cells and that the toxicity observed is associated with the rate of intracellular Ag release, a 'Trojan horse' effect.
Since the manufacture and use of nanoparticles are increasing, humans are more likely to be exposed occupationally or via consumer products and the environment. However, so far toxicity data for most ...manufactured nanoparticles are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare different nanoparticles and nanotubes regarding cytotoxicity and ability to cause DNA damage and oxidative stress. The study was focused on different metal oxide particles (CuO, TiO2, ZnO, CuZnFe2O4, Fe3O4, Fe2O3), and the toxicity was compared to that of carbon nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The human lung epithelial cell line A549 was exposed to the particles, and cytotoxicity was analyzed using trypan blue staining. DNA damage and oxidative lesions were determined using the comet assay, and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the oxidation-sensitive fluoroprobe 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). The results showed that there was a high variation among different nanoparticles concerning their ability to cause toxic effects. CuO nanoparticles were most potent regarding cytotoxicity and DNA damage. The toxicity was likely not explained by Cu ions released to the cell medium. These particles also caused oxidative lesions and were the only particles that induced an almost significant increase (p = 0.058) in intracellular ROS. ZnO showed effects on cell viability as well as DNA damage, whereas the TiO2 particles (a mix of rutile and anatase) only caused DNA damage. For iron oxide particles (Fe3O4, Fe2O3), no or low toxicity was observed, but CuZnFe2O4 particles were rather potent in inducing DNA lesions. Finally, the carbon nanotubes showed cytotoxic effects and caused DNA damage in the lowest dose tested. The effects were not explained by soluble metal impurities. In conclusion, this study highlights the in vitro toxicity of CuO nanoparticles.
Cu-containing nanoparticles are used in various applications in order to e.g. achieve antimicrobial activities and to increase the conductivity of fluids and polymers. Several studies have reported ...on toxic effects of such particles but the mechanisms are not completely clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between cell membranes and well-characterized nanoparticles of CuO, Cu metal, a binary Cu-Zn alloy and micron-sized Cu metal particles. This was conducted via in vitro investigations of the effects of the nanoparticles on (i) cell membrane damage on lung epithelial cells (A549), (ii) membrane rupture of red blood cells (hemolysis), complemented by (iii) nanoparticle interaction studies with a model lipid membrane using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The results revealed that nanoparticles of the Cu metal and the Cu-Zn alloy were both highly membrane damaging and caused a rapid (within 1h) increase in membrane damage at a particle mass dose of 20μg/mL, whereas the CuO nanoparticles and the micron-sized Cu metal particles showed no such effect. At similar nanoparticle surface area doses, the nano and micron-sized Cu particles showed more similar effects. The commonly used LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assay for analysis of membrane damage was found impossible to use due to nanoparticle-assay interactions. None of the particles induced any hemolytic effects on red blood cells when investigated up to high particle concentrations (1mg/mL). However, both Cu and Cu-Zn nanoparticles caused hemoglobin aggregation/precipitation, a process that would conceal a possible hemolytic effect. Studies on interactions between the nanoparticles and a model membrane using QCM-D indicated a small difference between the investigated particles. Results of this study suggest that the observed membrane damage is caused by the metal release process at the cell membrane surface and highlight differences in reactivity between metallic nanoparticles of Cu and Cu-Zn and nanoparticles of CuO.
The increasing use of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques (e.g., 3D-printing) offers many advantages but at the same time presents some challenges. One concern is the possible exposure and health ...risk related to metal containing particles of different sizes. Using the nickel-based alloys Hastelloy X (HX) and Inconel 939 (IN939) as a case, the aim of this cross-disciplinary study was to increase the understanding on possible health hazards and exposure. This was done by performing in-depth characterization of virgin, reused and condensate powders, testing in vitro toxicity (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress), and measuring occupational airborne exposure. The results showed limited metal release from both HX and IN939, and slightly different surface composition of reused compared to virgin powders. No or small effects on the cultured lung cells were observed when tested up to 100 µg/mL. Particle background levels in the printing facilities were generally low, but high transient peaks were observed in relation to sieving. Furthermore, during post processing with grinding, high levels of nanoparticles (> 100,000 particles/cm
) were noted. Urine metal levels in AM operators did not exceed biomonitoring action limits. Future studies should focus on understanding the toxicity of the nanoparticles formed during printing and post-processing.
An interdisciplinary and multianalytical research effort is undertaken to assess the toxic aspects of thoroughly characterized nano‐ and micrometer‐sized particles of oxidized metallic copper and ...copper(II) oxide in contact with cultivated lung cells, as well as copper release in relevant media. All particles, except micrometer‐sized Cu, release more copper in serum‐containing cell medium (supplemented Dulbecco's minimal essential medium) compared to identical exposures in phosphate‐buffered saline. Sonication of particles for dispersion prior to exposure has a large effect on the initial copper release from Cu nanoparticles. A clear size‐dependent effect is observed from both a copper release and a toxicity perspective. In agreement with greater released amounts of copper per quantity of particles from the nanometer‐sized particles compared to the micrometer‐sized particles, the nanometer particles cause a higher degree of DNA damage (single‐strand breaks) and cause a significantly higher percentage of cell death compared to cytotoxicity induced by micrometer‐sized particles. Cytotoxic effects related to the released copper fraction are found to be significantly lower than the effects related to particles. No DNA damage is induced by the released copper fraction.
Save your breath: A multianalytical approach is used to assess the toxicity to cultured lung cells of micro‐ and nanoparticles of oxidized Cu and CuO in relation to the particle characteristics (see picture). Larger amounts of copper per quantity of particles are released from nanoparticles than micrometer‐sized particles. The cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles are caused by the particles rather than the released copper fraction.
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Additive manufacturing (AM) or “3D-printing” is a ground-breaking technology that enables the production of complex 3D parts. Its rapid growth calls for immediate toxicological ...investigations of possible human exposures in order to estimate occupational health risks. Several laser-based powder bed fusion AM techniques are available of which many use metal powder in the micrometer range as feedstock. Large energy input from the laser on metal powders generates several by-products, like spatter and condensate particles. Due to often altered physicochemical properties and composition, spatter and condensate particles can result in different toxicological responses compared to the original powder particles. The toxicity of such particles has, however, not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of condensate/spatter particles formed and collected upon selective laser melting (SLM) printing of metal alloy powders, including a nickel-chromium-based superalloy (IN939), a nickel-based alloy (Hastelloy X, HX), a high-strength maraging steel (18Ni300), a stainless steel (316L), and a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Toxicological endpoints investigated included cytotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), genotoxicity (comet and micronucleus formation), and inflammatory response (cytokine/chemokine profiling) following exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) or monocytes/macrophages (THP-1). The results showed no or minor cytotoxicity in the doses tested (10−100 μg/mL). Furthermore, no ROS generation or formation of micronucleus was observed in the HBEC cells. However, an increase in DNA strand breaks (detected by comet assay) was noted in cells exposed to HX, IN939, and Ti6Al4V, whereas no evident release of pro-inflammatory cytokine was observed from macrophages. Particle and surface characterization showed agglomeration in solution and different surface oxide compositions compared to the nominal bulk content. The extent of released nickel was small and related to the nickel content of the surface oxides, which was largely different from the bulk content. This may explain the limited toxicity found despite the high Ni bulk content of several powders. Taken together, this study suggests relatively low acute toxicity of condensates/spatter particles formed during SLM-printing using IN939, HX, 18Ni300, 316L, and Ti6Al4V as original metal powders.
Genotoxicity is an important toxicological endpoint due to the link to diseases such as cancer. Therefore, an increased understanding regarding genotoxicity and underlying mechanisms is needed for ...assessing the risk with exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of this study was to perform an in-depth investigation regarding the genotoxicity of well-characterized Ni and NiO NPs in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and to discern possible mechanisms. Comparisons were made with NiCl
in order to elucidate effects of ionic Ni.
BEAS-2B cells were exposed to Ni and NiO NPs, as well as NiCl
, and uptake and cellular dose were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The NPs were characterized in terms of surface composition (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), agglomeration (photon cross correlation spectroscopy) and nickel release in cell medium (ICP-MS). Cell death (necrosis/apoptosis) was investigated by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and genotoxicity by cytokinesis-block micronucleus (cytome) assay (OECD 487), chromosomal aberration (OECD 473) and comet assay. The involvement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium was explored using the fluorescent probes, DCFH-DA and Fluo-4.
NPs were efficiently taken up by the BEAS-2B cells. In contrast, no or minor uptake was observed for ionic Ni from NiCl
. Despite differences in uptake, all exposures (NiO, Ni NPs and NiCl
) caused chromosomal damage. Furthermore, NiO NPs were most potent in causing DNA strand breaks and generating intracellular ROS. An increase in intracellular calcium was observed and modulation of intracellular calcium by using inhibitors and chelators clearly prevented the chromosomal damage. Chelation of iron also protected against induced damage, particularly for NiO and NiCl
.
This study has revealed chromosomal damage by Ni and NiO NPs as well as Ni ionic species and provides novel evidence for a calcium-dependent mechanism of cyto- and genotoxicity.
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