In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Gold and Silver Nanorods Using, Different Human Cell Lines

This study was undertaken to address the in vitro cytotoxicity of two different sizes of gold nanorods (10,25 nm) and silver nanorods (10,25 nm) on five different human cell limes. The in vitro cytotoxicity of-gold and silver nanorods were determined by using 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay methods. The results demonstrated dose-size-dependent cytotoxicity against all cell types with both MTT and LDH leakage assays. Gold nanorods were showed higher toxicity towards liver cells, whereas silver nanorods towards lung cells. The IC50 values of test nanorods were found to be in the range 19.13-41.72 mu g/mL and less than that of quartz (known toxic agent, 39.00-47.79 mu g/mL). Thus, the results are indicating greater cytotoxicity of gold and silver nanorods. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms for their toxicity.