Silver nanoparticles have been widely used in medicinal and biological fields. Their biological evaluation is an important researchful field. In this paper are summarized the status quo of nano-hydroxyapatite biological evaluation at home and abroad. Although silver nanoparticles showed good biological compatibility when they were tested by contrast to ISO 10993 standards, some reports have proved that many medical devices loaded with silver could release silver ions (Ag+) which could translocate in blood circulation and cumulate in some organs such as liver and kidney. It may induce hepatotoxicity or renal toxicity and may lead to death in some situation extremely exposed to a certain dose of Ag+. The dimension of silver nanoparticles is close to silver ions and some reports have proved that they could translocate in body, so it is suggested that silver nanoparticles should induce the same toxicity with silver ions. In addition, silver nanoparticles have shown cytotoxicity in some experiment in vitro. But the mechanisms of its cytotoxity are not clear; it may attribute to the silver ions that release from silver nanoparticles or to the silver nanoparticles that permeate through cell membrane. Hence, there are some potential anxieties for the biological safety of silver nanoparticles.
Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Silver ; toxicity

Zinc oxide nanoparticle (nano-ZnO) has a size between 1 and 100 nm. Nano-ZnO has some special effects, such as small size effect, surface effect, quantum size effect, which makes it different from the ordinary ZnO, and is widely used in rubber industry, food processing, cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. It has been reported that nano-ZnO has toxic effects in vitro and in vivo, but the mechanism of toxicity is still unclear. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the safety nano-ZnO by studying its biological toxic effects and related mechanisms. In this paper, we summarize the characterization, ingestion pathway, metabolism, systematic toxicity of nano-ZnO and its mechanisms, which may provide us with new strategy for the toxic research of nano-ZnO.
Animals ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Zinc Oxide ; toxicity

To address the controversial issue of the toxicity of dental alloys and silver nanoparticles in medical applications, an in vivo-like LO2 3-D model was constructed within polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber materials to mimic the microenvironment of liver tissue. The use of microscopy methods and the measurement of liver-specific functions optimized the model for best cell performances and also proved the superiority of the 3-D LO2 model when compared with the traditional monolayer model. Toxicity tests were conducted using the newly constructed model, finding that four dental castings coated with silver nanoparticles were toxic to human hepatocytes after cell viability assays. In general, the toxicity of both the castings and the coated silver nanoparticles aggravated as time increased, yet the nanoparticles attenuated the general toxicity by preventing metal ion release, especially at high concentrations.
Cells, Cultured ; Dental Casting Technique ; Hepatocytes/drug effects* ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity* ; Silver/toxicity* ; Toxicity Tests

OBJECTIVEThis paper aims to elucidate the combined toxicity of magnetite nanoparticles/Chromium [MNPs/Cr(VI)] adducts.

METHODSThe HEK293 cell was exposed to either Cr(VI) or MNPs, or their adducts MNPs/Cr(VI). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by assessing the cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress induction, and cellular uptake.

RESULTSThe toxicity of formed adducts is significantly reduced when compared to Cr(VI) anions. We found that the cellular uptake of MNPs/Cr(VI) adduct was rare, only few particles were endocytosed from the extracellular fluid and not accumulated in the cell nucleus. On the other hand, the Cr(VI) anions entered cells, generated oxidative stress, induced cell apoptosis, and caused cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed minor effects of the nanoadducts on the tested cells and supported that magnetite nanoparticles could be implemented in the wastewater treatment process in which advantageous properties outweigh the risks.

Chromium ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Environmental Restoration and Remediation ; methods ; Ferrosoferric Oxide ; chemistry ; toxicity ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; toxicity

OBJECTIVE1H magnetic resonance (1H MR) spectroscopic technique in combination with pattern recognition technique were applied to analyze toxic effects of rats which were intratracheally instilled with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) as well as to detect the target organs and biomarkers associated with the toxic effects.

METHODSTwenty-four SD male rats were divided into 4 groups randomly which were high dose group (40 mg/kg nano-TiO2), moderate dose group (4 mg/kg nano-TiO2), low dose group (0.4 mg/kg nano-TiO2) and control group (0.9% NaCl solution) respectively, there were six rats per group. All rats were exposed to the object by single intratracheally instilling at a volume of 0.1 ml/100 g. After one week observation, 1H MR spectra of plasma were measured and analyzed by principal component analysis. Histopathologic examination for tissues such as heart, lung, liver, and kidney were performed simultaneously.

RESULTSThe relative content of lactate [(37.86+/-2.58)x10(-3)], citrate [(2.21+/-0.45)x10(-3)], choline [(7.74+/-0.76)x10(-3)] and creatine [(4.17+/-1.15)x10(-3)] in high dose group were significantly decreased as compared with those [(52.07+/-5.12)x10(-3), (3.01+/-0.21)x10(-3), (9.28+/-0.78)x10(-3), (8.59+/-2.64)x10(-3)] in control group (t values were -6.024, -3.177, -3.374, -4.215 respectively, P<0.05), however the relative content of glucose [(19.41+/-1.72)x10(-3)] was significantly increased compared with that [(14.45+/-2.45)x10(-3)] in control group (t value was 2.802, P<0.05). The relative content of lactate [(44.39+/-5.09)x10(-3)] and creatine [(3.67+/-0.76)x10(-3)] in moderate group was significantly decreased compared with those [(52.07+/-5.12)x10(-3), (8.59+/-2.64)x10(-3)] in control group (t values were -3.254, -4.694 respectively, P<0.05). The relative content of pyruvate [(3.84+/-0.70)x10(-3)] was significantly increased in low dose group as compared with that [(3.13+/-0.46)x10(-3)] in control group (t value was 2.787, P<0.05), however the relative content of creatine [(8.10+/-0.72)x10(-3)] was significantly decreased compared with that [(9.28+/-0.78)x10(-3)] in control group (t value was -2.602, P<0.05). No significant difference was found between other experimental groups and control group. No visible damage was found in histopathologic examination.

CONCLUSIONLung, liver, kidney and heart were the target organs of rats which were intratracheally instilling titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Lactate, pyruvate, glucose, citrate, choline and creatine can be presumed as the biomarkers when searching the target organs of the toxic effects.

Animals ; Male ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Plasma ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Titanium ; administration & dosage ; toxicity

Although metal nano materials have been widely used in various fields, the potential risks of it still could not be neglected. In this paper, the effects and mechanisms of genotoxicity caused by different nano materials were discussed. Human body can be exposed to metal nano materials through multiple pathways, metals nano follow the blood stream in circulatory system and distribute to organs. Metal nano particles are mainly uptaken into cells by endocytosis, and direct or indirect damages to genes can be induced by these particles after metabolism in cells. These damages would affect the course of cell cycle and the stability of the genome, resulting in gene mutation or chromosome aberration, and even leading to the death or malignant transformation of cells.
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; chemically induced ; DNA Damage ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively study the toxicity of four metal-containing nanoparticles (MNPs) and their chemical counterparts to the air-blood barrier (ABB) permeability using an in vitro model. METHODS: ABB model, which was developed via the co-culturing of A549 and pulmonary capillary endothelium, was exposed to spherical CuO-NPs (divided into CuO-40, CuO-80, and CuO-100 based on particle size), nano-Al2O3 (sheet and short-rod-shaped), nano-ZnO, nano-PbS, CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Zn(CH3COO)2, and Pb(NO3)2 for 60 min. Every 10 min following exposure, the cumulative cleared volume (ΔTCL) of Lucifer yellow by the model was calculated. A clearance curve was established using linear regression analysis of ΔTCL versus time. Permeability coefficient (P) was calculated based on the slope of the curve to represent the degree of change in the ABB permeability. RESULTS: The results found the increased P values of CuO-40, CuO-80, sheet, and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3, Al2(SO4)3, and Pb(NO3)2. Among them, small CuO-40 and CuO-80 were stronger than CuO-100 and CuSO4; no difference was observed between Al2(SO4)3 and sheet and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3; and nano-PbS was slightly weaker than Pb(NO3)2. So clearly the MNPs possess diverse toxicity. CONCLUSION ABB permeability abnormality means pulmonary toxicity potential. More studies are warranted to understand MNPs toxicity and ultimately control the health hazards.
A549 Cells ; Blood-Air Barrier ; metabolism ; Epithelium ; metabolism ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Particle Size ; Permeability

The wide use of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in research, medicine, industry, and other fields has raised concerns about their biosafety. It is therefore unavoidable to be discharged into the sewage treatment system. Due to the unique physical and chemical properties of ZnO NPs and CuO NPs, it may be toxic to the members of the microbial community and their growth and metabolism, which in turn affects the stable operation of sewage nitrogen removal. This study summarizes the toxicity mechanism of two typical metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs and CuO NPs) to nitrogen removal microorganisms in sewage treatment systems. Furthermore, the factors affecting the cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are summarized. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and support for the future mitigating and emergent treatment of the adverse effects of nanoparticles on sewage treatment systems.
Wastewater/toxicity* ; Sewage/chemistry* ; Zinc Oxide/chemistry* ; Waste Disposal, Fluid ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Nitrogen/metabolism* ; Water Purification

To evaluate the acute lung toxicity of intratracheally instilled nano-TiO2 in Kunming mice, healthy adult male Kunming mice were randomly grouped by their body weight (5 mice in each group). The lungs of mice were intratracheally instilled with 1 or 10 mg/kg x bw of nano-TiO2. The control group was intratracheally instilled with the same volume of physiological saline. After 1 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d of exposure, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected. The indices of BALF were examined. Lung tissues were assess histopathologically. The results showed that all indices of 10 mg/kg x bw groups were obviously higher than those of the control group and the group of nano-1 mg/kg x bw, respectively. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) on the 1st, 7th, 14th and 28th day post-exposure (pe), the amounts of malodialdehyde (MDA) on the 1st, 7th and, 14th day pe and total protein (TP) on the 1st and 7th day pe as well as the amounts of leukocyte on the 1st and 7th day pe of 10 mg/kg x bw groups were significantly different as compared with controls (P < 0.05). There were no obvious changes observed in the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) within groups (P > 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that the lungs of 10 mg/kg x bw groups presented marked increase in pulmonary inflammation. Many TiO2 particles were still clearly found in the interstitium at 28 days pe. In contrast, low-dose instillation put forward a low risk potential for producing adverse effects on pulmonary health. We conclude that the inflammatory reaction gradually ceased after 28 days. Under the same experimental condition, the effect of lung injury was severer in high-dose nano-TiO2 than in low-dose nano-TiO2.
Animals ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; cytology ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Mice ; Random Allocation ; Titanium ; toxicity ; Toxicity Tests, Acute

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of nano-alumina on nerve cell viability through different detection kits of cell viability, using micro-alumina and nano-carbon as controls.

METHODSPrimary culturing nerve cells of mouse in vitro, which were exposed to 7 doses of 0 µmol/L, 62.5 µmol/L, 125.0 µmol/L, 250.0 µmol/L, 500.0 µmol/L, 1.0 mmol/L, 2.0 mmol/L concentrations of nano-alumina (nano-Al), micro alumina (micro-Al) and nano-carbon (nano-C), detecting cell viability (A(570) values) with CCK-8, MTT and LDH methods.

RESULTS(1) The results of CCK-8 kit showed that, in doses of 250.0 µmol/L - 2.0 mmol/L, the cell viability values of nano-alumina (the values of A(570) were 0.878 ± 0.009, 0.823 ± 0.016, 0.647 ± 0.008, 0.594 ± 0.013, respectively) were significantly lower than that of micro-Al (the values of A(570) were 0.960 ± 0.008, 0.951 ± 0.036, 0.833 ± 0.008, 0.708 ± 0.012, respectively) and nano-C (the values of A(570) were 0.977 ± 0.003, 0.973 ± 0.002, 0.924 ± 0.006, 0.891 ± 0.023, respectively). While, comparing nano-Al with the same dose of micro-Al, there was significant difference (the t values were -0.082, -0.128, -0.186, -0.114, respectively, P < 0.01), and so as to the comparison of nano-Al with the same dose of nano-C (the t values were -0.099, -0.150, -0.277, -0.297, respectively, P < 0.01). (2) MTT results showed that in the doses of 500.0 µmol/L and 1.0 mmol/L, the cell viability of nano-Al (the values of A(570) were 0.648 ± 0.095 and 0.575 ± 0.061) were lower than that of micro-Al (the values of A(570) were 0.830 ± 0.044 and 0.816 ± 0.014) and nano-C (the values of A(570) were 0.889 ± 0.009 and 0.765 ± 0.049), and the differences were significant (nano-Al compared with the same dose of micro-Al, the t values were -0.183 and -0.242, P < 0.01; nano-Al compared with the same dose of nano-C, the t values were -0.241 and -0.190, P < 0.01). (3) LDH results showed that in the dose from 125.0 µmol/L to 2.0 mmol/L, the LDH release of nano-Al group (the values of A(570) were 1.862 ± 0.102, 1.905 ± 0.066, 1.930 ± 0.037, 1.946 ± 0.033, 1.967 ± 0.068, respectively) were higher than that of nano-C (the values of A(570) were 1.484 ± 0.110, 1.559 ± 0.039, 1.663 ± 0.014, 1.732 ± 0.076, 1.765 ± 0.073, respectively), and the differences were significant (the t values were -0.377, 0.346, 0.266, 0.213, 0.202, respectively, P < 0.01). In the dose from 125.0 µmol/L to 1.0 mmol/L, the LDH release of nano-Al group were higher than that of micro-Al (the values of A(570) were 1.578 ± 0.011, 1.639 ± 0.025, 1.727 ± 0.024, 1.808 ± 0.020, respectively), and the differences were significant (the t values were 0.284, 0.266, 0.202, 0.172, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe toxicity of nano-Al is greater than nano-C and micro-Al on the viability of nerve cells; LDH is more suitable for detecting changes of cell viability after the effect of nano-materials than CCK-8 and MTT.

Aluminum Oxide ; toxicity ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Metal Nanoparticles ; toxicity ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Primary Cell Culture