Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of panel of single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes: in vitro effects on normal Syrian hamster embryo and immortalized v79 hamster lung cells.

C Darne,C Fontana,L Gaté,F Terzetti,Y Guichard,S Binet,C Coulais

doi:10.1155/2014/872195

C Darne, C Fontana + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/872195

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Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to a specific class of nanomaterials with unique properties. Because of their anticipated use in a wide range of industrial applications, their toxicity is of increasing concern. In order to determine whether specific physicochemical characteristics of CNTs are responsible for their toxicological effects, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of eight CNTs representative of each of the commonly encountered classes: single- SW-, double- DW-, and multiwalled (MW) CNTs, purified and raw. In addition, because most previous studies of CNT toxicity were conducted on immortalized cell lines, we decided to compare results obtained from V79 cells, an established cell line, with results from SHE (Syrian hamster embryo) cells, an easy-to-handle normal cell model. After 24 hours of treatment, MWCNTs were generally found to be more cytotoxic than SW- or DWCNTs. MWCNTs also provoked more genotoxic effects. No correlation could be found between CNT genotoxicity and metal impurities, length, surface area, or induction of cellular oxidative stress, but genotoxicity was seen to increase with CNT width. The toxicity observed for some CNTs leads us to suggest that they might also act by interfering with the cell cycle, but no significant differences were observed between normal and immortalized cells.

Highlights

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to the nanomaterials family [1]
Because most previous studies of CNT toxicity were conducted on immortalized cell lines, we decided to compare results obtained from V79 cells, an established cell line, with results from Syrian hamster embryo cells (SHE) (Syrian hamster embryo) cells, an easy-tohandle normal cell model
CNTs make up a complex family, comprising single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and MWCNTs) composed of single or multiple graphene sheets rolled into cylinders

Summary

Introduction

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to the nanomaterials family [1]. CNTs can be functionalized for industrial purposes through modification of the nanotube surface with specific chemical groups. These surface modifications are generally made for facilitating their integration into composite materials. The biodurability and high length-to-width aspect ratio of CNTs have raised questions related to their toxicity and effects on human health. Their fibrous nature has led to particular concern surrounding the CNTs, and parallels have been made with asbestos fibres and their effects on humans [2, 3]. Occupational exposure to CNTs remains poorly understood, but exposure can occur during their manufacture as well as during their industrial use, for example, in the machining or sanding of carbon parts [4]

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