Cellular effects of industrial metal nanoparticles and hydrophilic carbon black dispersion

The effects of five types of metal nanoparticles, gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), Au-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) colloid, and Pt-PVP colloid, and two types of hydrophilic carbon black on cell behavior were examined. Stable nanoparticle dispersions were prepared and applied to the culture medium of human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human lung carcinoma (A549) cells for 6 and 24 hr. Then, the mitochondrial activity (MTT assay) and the induction of cellular oxidative stress were examined. The exposure to Au and Ag decreased mitochondrial activity. The exposure to Pt nanoparticles induced an increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. In contrast, Au-PVP, Pt-PVP, and hydrophilic carbon black did not exhibit any effects. The observed increase in the ROS level induced by the Pt nanoparticles in this study contradicted our previous findings, in which Pt did not produce chemically reactive molecules. Some nanoparticle dispersions included chemicals as the dispersant, which is used in industrial applications. In some cases, the dispersing agent may have caused some cellular effects. Adsorption of agents on the surface of the nanoparticles may be an important factor here. Hence, the cellular effects of industrial nanoparticles should be evaluated carefully.