Assessing the toxicity of one-step-synthesized PEG-coated gold nanoparticles: in vitro and in vivo studies

Author(s)

Murilo Montenegro Garrigós ^[1] ; Fernando Anselmo de Oliveira ^[2] ; Cícero Júlio Silva Costa ^[3] ; Lucas Renan Rodrigues ^[4] ; Mariana Penteado Nucci ^[5] ; Arielly da Hora Alves ^[6] ; Javier Bustamante Mamani ^[7] ; Gabriel Nery de Albuquerque Rego ^[8] ; Juan Matheus Munoz ^[9] ; Lionel Fernel Gamarra ^[10]

Affiliation

^[1] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[2] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[3] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[4] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade Medicina. Hospital das Clínicas - Brasil

^[6] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[7] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[8] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[9] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

^[10] Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Einstein (São Paulo); v. 22, 2024-05-20.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo toxicities of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles synthesized using a one-step process. Methods Gold nanoparticles were prepared via a co-precipitation method using polyethylene glycol, and the synthesis product was characterized. For the in vitro evaluation, a flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V and iodide propidium staining was used to assess cytotoxicity in MG-63 cells labeled with 10, 50, and 100µg/mL of nanoparticle concentration. For the in vivo evaluation, nanoparticles were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 10mg/kg dose in 10-week-old mice. Toxicity was assessed 24 hours and 7 days after administration via histopathological analysis of various tissues, as well as through renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic evaluations. Results Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited different hydrodynamic sizes depending on the medium: 51.27±1.62nm in water and 268.12±28.45nm (0 hour) in culture medium. They demonstrated a maximum absorbance at 520nm and a zeta potential of -8.419mV. Cellular viability exceeded 90%, with less than 3% early apoptosis, 6% late apoptosis, and 1% necrosis across all labeling conditions, indicating minimal cytotoxicity differences. Histopathological analysis highlighted the accumulation of nanoparticles in the mesentery; however, no lesions or visible agglomeration was observed in the remaining tissues. Renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic analyses showed no significant differences at any time point. Conclusion Polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanoparticles exhibit extremely low toxicity and high biocompatibility, showing promise for future studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17868-4 - Therapeutic action of mesenchymal stem cells of the human bone marrow, marked with multimodal nanoparticles, in diabetic rats submitted to focal cerebral ischemia: study of cellular, molecular and functional mechanisms
• Grantee: Yolanda Oliveira Pinto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 19/21070-3 - Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of physical activity-associated nanoparticle-labeled stem cells in the focal ischemia model
• Grantee: João Victor Matias Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 16/21470-3 - Therapeutic action of mesenchymal stem cells from human bone marrow labeled with multimodal nanoparticles in diabetic rats subjected to stroke: study of cellular, molecular and functional mechanisms.
• Grantee: Lionel Fernel Gamarra Contreras
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants