The aspect ratio of gold nanorods as a cytotoxicity factor on Raphidocelis subcaptata

Autor(es)

Mayrink Nogueira, Patricia Franklin ^[1] ; Marangoni, Valeria Spolon ^[1] ; Zucolotto, Valtencir ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Phys Sao Carlos, Nanomed & Nanotoxicol Grp, POB 369, Av Trabalhador Sao Carlense 400, BR-13566590 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Environmental Research; v. 191, DEC 2020.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are promising nanoscale materials for several technological and biomedical applications. The physicochemical properties of AuNRs, including size, shape and surface features, are crucial factors affecting their cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effects of different aspect ratios of AuNRs (1.90, 2.35, 3.25 and 3.50) at concentrations of 2 and 10 mu g mL(-1) on their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in green algae Raphidocelis subcaptata. The experiment was performed in oligotrophic freshwater medium in a growth chamber with constant agitation of 80 rpm under controlled conditions (120 mu tEm(-2) s(-1) illumination; 12:12h light dark cycle and constant temperature of 22 +/- 2 degrees C). The algal growth was monitored daily for 96 h via electronic absorbance scanning at 600-750 nm. Oxidative stress, cell viability and autofluorescence were evaluated using a flow cytometer. Oxidative stress quantified by loading cultures with the fluorescent dye 2', 7'-dichlomfluorescein diacetate. To assess algal cell viability, propidium iodide was selected as the fluorescent probe. Our results indicated that the aspect ratio of AuNRs mediates their biological effects in green algae R. subcaptata. A positive correlation between oxidative stress and increase of aspect ratio was found at concentration of 10 mu g mL(-1). Higher cytotoxicity and mortality were observed for algae incubated with higher aspect ratios AuNRs (3.50). These findings may be useful to understand the impact of the AuNRs in aquatic environments, contributing to ecosystem management and nanomaterials regulation. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 12/11166-4 - Nanomateriais teranósticos aplicados à problemática do câncer e estudos de nanotoxicidade
• Beneficiário: Valeria Spolon Marangoni
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado