Cytotoxic Effects Caused by Functionalized Carbon Nanotube in Murine Macrophages

Author(s)

de Godoy, Krissia Franco ; de Almeida Rodolpho, Joice Margareth ; de Lima Fragelli, Bruna Dias ; Camillo, Luciana ; Brassolatti, Patricia ; Assis, Marcelo ; Nogueira, Camila Tita ; Speglich, Carlos ; Longo, Elson ; Anibal, Fernanda de Freitas

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY; v. 56, n. 5, p. 16-pg., 2022-01-01.

Abstract

Background/Aims: The development of new nanomaterials has been growing in recent decades to bring benefits in several areas, especially carbon-based nanoparticles, which have unique physical-chemical properties and allow to take on several applications. Consequently, the use of new nanomaterials without previous toxicological studies raises concern about possible harmful health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic profile of a new multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) functionalized with tetraethylenepentamine called OCNT-TEPA using in vitro assays in murine macrophage cells linage J774 A.1. Methods: OCNT-TEPA was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS), and its cytotoxic effects were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours by cell viability assays (MTT and NR), morphology and cell recovery (optic microscopy and clonogenic assay), formation of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) species, inflammatory profile (IL-6 and TNF cytokines), mitochondrial membrane potential analysis (MMP), activation of the caspase 3 pathway and cell death (flow cytometry). Results: The data showed a significant decrease in cell viability, increased production of ROS and NO, alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, alteration of cell morphology, activation of the Caspase 3 pathway and consequently cell death, in the highest concentrations of OCNT-TEPA tested in the periods of 24 and 48 hours. Conclusion: The analyses showed that OCNT-TEPA has a dose-dependent cytotoxic profile, which may be harmful to murine macrophages (J774 A.1) and may represent a health risk. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH&Co. KG (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC