Evaluation of the Skin Sensitization Potential of Carbon Nanotubes Using Alternative In Vitro and In Vivo Assays.

Sung-Hyun Kim,Dong Han Lee,Jae-Ho Oh,Kikyung Jung,Jun-Young Yang,Hyo-Sook Shin,Jayoung Jeong,Jeongpyo Lee,Jong Kwon Lee,Jin Hee Lee

doi:10.3390/toxics8040122

Sung-Hyun Kim, Dong Han Lee + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics8040122

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Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the major types of nanomaterials that have various industrial and biomedical applications. However, there is a risk of accidental exposure to CNTs in individuals involved in their large-scale production and in individuals who use products containing CNTs. This study aimed to evaluate the skin sensitization induced by CNTs using two alternative tests. We selected single-wall carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for this study. First, the physiochemical properties of the CNTs were measured, including the morphology, size, and zeta potential, under various conditions. Thereafter, we assessed the sensitization potential of the CNTs using the ARE-Nrf2 Luciferase KeratinoSens™ assay, an in vitro alternative test method. In addition, the CNTs were evaluated for their skin sensitization potential using the LLNA: BrdU-FCM in vivo alternative test method. In this study, we report for the first time the sensitization results of CNTs using the KeratinoSens™ and LLNA: BrdU-FCM test methods in this study. This study found that both CNTs do not induce skin sensitization. These results suggest that the KeratinoSens™ and LLNA: BrdU-FCM assay may be useful as alternative assays for evaluating the potential of some nanomaterials that can induce skin sensitization.

Highlights

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a major type of nanomaterial that is used for various industrial and biomedical applications [1,2]
The results confirmed that both single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) had a size of less than 100 nm in one dimension
The results of the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate test showed that both SWCNTs and MWCNTs had endotoxin levels that were lower than the limit of detection (0.1 U/mL)

Summary

Introduction

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a major type of nanomaterial that is used for various industrial and biomedical applications [1,2]. With the growing number and production volume of CNTs, concerns about their toxicity have increased exponentially. Nanomaterials are defined as particles less than 100 nm in at least one dimension [3], which exhibit various physicochemical properties associated with a nanostructure [4]. The various physicochemical characteristics of a nanomaterial are the major determinants of its toxic potential [5,6]. Nanomaterials are mostly poorly soluble; some nanomaterials have shown to be soluble in lysosomal fluid or gastric fluid [7,8]. Dissolution of nanomaterials can cause toxicity due to the release of ions [9]

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