In vitro toxic effects of different types of carbon nanotubes

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We have carried out a comparative assessment of industrial single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs / MWCNTs) toxic effects in the cultures of macrophages (RAW 264.7) and bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured directly in the medium. Intracellular reduced glutathione levels (GSH) were determined in culture lysates. Cell viability was determined by fluorescence method. RAW 264.7 were much more sensitive to the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs): MWCNT addition was not accompanied by a significant reduction in the viability of macrophages, but caused damage to cell membranes (release of LDH) with a dose and time-dependent oxidative stress. SWCNTs caused a significant decrease in viability and induction of oxidative stress. Improved darkfield microscopy revealed adsorption and accumulation of MWCNTs on the surface and inside the macrophages. Adding SWCNTs to BEAS-2B culture caused small statistically significant dose-and time-dependent decrease in viability and pronounced reduction in glutathione only at the highest concentration of nanoparticles. Bronchial epithelial cells BEAS- 2B appeared to be much less susceptible to MWCNTs. The findings suggest that there are differences in the toxic action of different CNTs and there is a need for thoughtful approach to the assessment of nanomaterials toxicity.