Effect Of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Synergistic ameliorative effect of iron oxide nanoparticles and Bacillus subtilis S4 against arsenic toxicity in Cucurbita moschata: polyamines, antioxidants, and physiochemical studies

The present study was intended to assess the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and Bacillus subtilis S4 in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in Cucurbita moschata. Cucurbita moschata seedlings were subjected to As stress for 60 days. Reduced level of growth parameters including photosynthetic pigments, rate of photosynthesis and gas exchange characteristics was observed in seedlings subjected to As stress. However, IONPs and B. subtilis S4 improved growth attributes and proline contents in supplemented C. moschata seedlings. Bacillus subtilis S4 inoculated seedlings showed higher activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) under As toxicity. Similarly, the co-application of IONPs and B. subtilis S4 further increased the activity of these antioxidative enzymes. The As stress alleviation in inoculated C. moschata seedlings is credited to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) in IONPs and B. subtilis S4-treated plants. Furthermore, synergism between plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and IONPs enhanced the biosynthesis of stress mitigating polyamines including spermidine and putrescine in As-stressed seedlings. Current research reveals that synergistic application of IONPs and B. subtilis S4 is an effective sustainable and ecofriendly approach for alleviation of As stress in C. moschata seedlings.

Iron Oxide/Salicylic Acid Nanoparticles as Potential Therapy for B16F10 Melanoma Transplanted on the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane

Unfavorable prognoses and low survival rates are specific features of metastatic melanoma that justify the concern for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Lately, nanotechnology has become an attractive field of study due to recent advances in nanomedicine. Using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) implanted with xenografts harvested from C57BL/6 mice with B16F10 melanoma cells, we studied the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with salicylic acid (SaMNPs) as a form of therapy on the local development of xenotransplants and CAM vessels. The SaMNPs induced an anti-angiogenic effect on the CAM vessels, which accumulated preferentially in the melanoma cells and induced apoptosis and extensive xenograft necrosis. As a result, this slowed the increase in the xenograft volume and reduced the melanoma cells’ ability to metastasize locally and distally. Further, we demonstrate the use of the chick CAM model as a tool for testing the action of newly synthesized nanocomposites on melanoma xenotransplants. The SaMNPs had a therapeutic effect on B16F10 melanoma due to the synergistic action of the two components of its structure: the coating of the salicylic acid with antiangiogenic and chemotherapeutic action and the core of iron oxides with cytotoxic action.

Synthesis and Study of Bactericidal Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Bacteria Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections

Synthesis and Study of Bactericidal Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Bacteria Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections

Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on Fe and heavy metal accumulation in castor (Ricinus communis L.) plants and the soil aggregate.

In this study, the effects of iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) on Fe and heavy metal accumulations by castor (Ricinus communis L.) plants were investigated. The castor cultivar was planted in the soil contaminated with Pb and Zn for 48 days with Fe2O3 NPs treatments. The Fe and heavy metal concentrations in the plant tissues, the plant tissues' ultrastructures, and the Fe and heavy metal distributions in the soil aggregate were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that there is a mutual promotion relationship between Fe and heavy metals (Pb and Zn). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed ultrastructural differences in the xylem and phloem with Fe2O3 NPs addition, and the presence of Fe2O3 NPs may influence the synthesis of starch granules in response to heavy metal stress. Based on the analysis of the soil aggregate, α-Fe2O3 NPs and γ-Fe2O3 NPs changed the size distribution of the soil aggregate, that is, the macro-aggregate and the clay fraction contents increased and the micro-aggregate content decreased. Moreover, in the different size fractions of the soil aggregate, Fe2O3 NPs can change the Zn and Fe enrichment and migration between the macro-aggregate and clay fractions, and there is a synergistic effect between the Fe and Zn migration. In addition, in the castor organs (roots and shoots), the Zn accumulation was mainly determined by the Zn concentration of the macro-aggregate fraction, while the Fe accumulation was mainly determined by the Fe concentration of the micro-aggregate fraction. Overall, these direct observations help improve our understanding of the migration and transport characteristics of Fe and heavy metals in soil-plant systems when Fe nanoparticles are added to metal-contaminated soils.

Effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on growth and biofuel potential of Chlorella spp.

Effect of iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles (IONPs) on microalgal growth and biofuel productivity was tested in BG11 media. IONPs supplementation produced a contradicting effect between the two species, namely, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Chlorella sorokiniana. IONPs at 20 mg·L−1 showed up to 33.75% enhancement in biomass concentration during 15 d cultivation of C. pyrenoidosa. Conversely, the IONPs, even at a low dose of 2 mg·L−1, showed toxicity to C. sorokiniana. The highest biomass production of 2.16 g·L−1 (lipid content of 13.77 wt%) was observed at IONPs 20 mg·L−1, while 30 mg·L−1 resulted in highest lipid accumulation of 16.89 wt% (biomass concentration of 2.01 g·L−1) in C. pyrenoidosa. The variation in biomass concentration and lipid accumulation follows closely the chlorophyll-a profile, indicating the effective response to the IONPs. Scanning electron microscope images revealed nanoparticle agglomeration on the surface of C. pyrenoidosa beyond 20 mg·ed. C. pyrenoidosa was found promising for biofuel production with biofuel productivity of 20.62 TOE·ha−1·y−1 at IONPs concentration of 30 mg·L−1. Current findings reveal the feasibility of IONPs supplementation in the microalgal media to improve the growth as well as lipid content. In nutshell, the results put forward a stepping stone for the sustainable biofuel recovery from microalgal biomass in near future.

Application of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on cotton fabrics by the Pad-Dry-Cure process for the elaboration of magnetic and conductive textiles

In the present study, a magnetic textile was developed by the application of Iron nanoparticles on cotton fabrics. For this, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthetized by reverse co-precipitation. Then, the obtained magnetic nanoparticles were applied on cotton fabrics using the Pad-Dry-Cure process. Magnetic behavior of iron oxide nanoparticles was investigated to study magnetic properties by the VSM analysis. Moreover, the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on the cotton fabrics noticed on the thermal behavior has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal stability of cotton fabrics is positively affected after the treatment using Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Finally, electrical properties were studied to measure the fabrics conductivity according to the AATCC.

Growth performance, hematological and biochemical effects of iron oxide nanoparticles in Labeo rohita

Abstract In aquaculture farming, iron deficiency in fish causes anemia and also causes improper growth. Biologically synthesized nanoparticles are widely used in micro-nutrient delivery in aquaculture as they are eco-friendly, and non-toxic to the environment. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be the alternative supplement to overcome iron deficiency. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of Amaranthus tricolor mediated iron nanoparticles in the physiological, hematological, biochemical parameters of the Indian major carp Labeo rohita. In the present study characterization of the iron nanoparticles were done. Iron oxide nanoparticles were added to the experimental basal diets at various concentrations. Positive and negative controls were also taken. Feeding experiment showed that iron oxide nanoparticles incorporated diet showed positive result towards the survival, growth and biochemical compositions in Labeo rohita. The values of hemoglobin and erythrocyte count show a significant increase among the different concentration of diet. Fish fed with iron oxide nanoparticle supplemented diet produced a better performance in the biochemical compositions. The results from the study prove that the iron nanoparticles supplemented diet can improve the physiological, biochemical and hematological activities in Labeo rohita. Thus it is inferred that the iron oxide nanoparticles possess the capabilities of being the alternative source to rectify the iron deficiency and retarded growth related problems in Labeo rohita.

Fe2 O3 nanoparticles induced biochemical responses and expression of genes involved in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis pathway in Moldavian balm under salinity stress.

The effect of iron oxide nanoparticle (NP) at four concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 90 ppm) and salinity at three levels (0, 50 and 100 mM) were investigated on rosmarinic acid (RA) production in 5-week-old Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) plants. Salinity and spraying iron oxide NPs significantly affected tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe) and proline (Pro) amino acids content, Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), Tyrosine Aminotransferase (TAT) and Rosmarinic Acid Synthase (RAS) genes expression levels, RA content, Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO), PAL and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. PAL, TAT and RAS genes expression rate and content of RA were enhanced in Moldavian balm plants exposed by NaCl + NPs. The results of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that simultaneous application of 50 mM NaCl and 90 ppm NPs increases the RA content in leaf by 81.15% as compared to control plants. The Tyr and Phe contents decreased in Moldavian balm plants exposed to salt stress. Application of NPs had a positive effect on the content of these amino acids. Proline content increased under salinity stress and application of iron NPs induced a significant increase in the Pro content of leaf. The results revealed that PAL, PPO and SOD enzymes activities increased under salinity conditions. The highest activity of PPO and SOD was observed in 100 mM NaCl + 60 ppm NPs treatment. Simultaneous application of 100 mM NaCl + 90 ppm NPs increased the MDA content and DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to control plants. It can be concluded that the application of appropriate levels of NPs moderates the effect of salinity stress in D. moldavica L. and results in an increased amount of RA compared to control plants.

Effect of Iron Oxide Nanopartical on The FSH, LH and Testesteron Hormones in The offspring of Albino Rats

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of iron oxide nanoparticle(NP) on FSH,LH and Testosterone hormones in the offspring of albino rats. The study included twenty (20) offspring divided into two groups ,treated and control group . The results of the hormonal study showed the existence of significant increase (P? 0.05) in the mean levels of FSH,LH ,Testosterone of offspring treated groups compared with controls .

Pharmacologic Vitamin C-Based Cell Therapy via Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Intracellular Fenton Reaction

Although the cytotoxic effect of iron oxide nanoparticle via peroxidase-like activity and associated Fenton reaction is well-known, its effective utilization in cancer therapy is limited because of poor availability of endogenous hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, the cytotoxic effect of vitamin C via hydrogen peroxide generation is well-known but its practical use in cancer therapy is limited due to requirement of high dose (typically above one milimolar) which is not achievable under physiological condition. Here, we show that pharmacologically achievable dose of vitamin C in the range of 0.1–1.0 mM can induce cell death via iron oxide nanoparticle-based intracellular Fenton reaction. Cells are exposed with exogenous vitamin C after labeling with Fe3O4 nanoparticle or directly exposing with vitamin C-conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticle. Results show that intracellular Fe3O4 nanoparticle can induce cell death by as low as 0.1 mM exogenous vitamin C via Fenton reaction-based intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Following this approach, selective killing of cancer cell has been achieved via functional Fe3O4 nanoparticle-based cell targeting/labeling followed by exogenous vitamin C-based cell therapy. This approach can be extended for other nanoparticles with oxidase/peroxidase-like activity and in designing more effective nanoparticle for vitamin C-based cell therapy.

Prospective Protective Effect of Ellagic Acid as a SIRT1 Activator in Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Renal Damage in Rats.

Despite the wide application of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), little is known about the specific mechanism of their nephrotoxic effect. We aimed to evaluate the nephrotoxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in vivo and the protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) as a silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activator against the induced nephrotoxicity. Forty male albino Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four equal groups (10 rats each): the control group (oral saline for 30days), ellagic acid (EA) group (10mg/kg b.w. EA, orally for 30days), IONP group (20mg/kg b.w. IONP I/P injection at the 24th-30th day), and EA + IONP group (10mg/kg b.w./day EA for 30days + 20mg/kg b.w. IONPs at the 24th-30th day). In the present study, the potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of EA were indicated by the significant overexpression of SIRT1 in renal tissues that leads to significant decreases in renal MDA content, P53 protein level and forkhead-box transcription factor1 (FOXO1) expression, and significant increases in renal GSH level, catalase activity, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 45 alpha (GADDα45), and renal inhibition of apoptosis protein (KIAP) gene expression levels in the EA + IONP-treated group. These results were confirmed by the improved histopathological renal features with EA administration. In conclusion, the present study provides the first evidence for the usefulness of EA as a sirtuin1 activator in the prevention or treatment of renal damage. Thus, EA could be used as a promising therapy for the prevention of IONP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Exposure effects of iron oxide nanoparticles and iron salts in blackfish (Capoeta fusca): Acute toxicity, bioaccumulation, depuration, and tissue histopathology

We assessed the toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles compared with iron salts in the blackfish (Capoeta fusca). After an acute toxicity assessment, we conducted a chronic exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of Fe3O4 NPs, and iron salts (ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3), ferric chloride (FeCl3), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4)) to measure iron uptake over a period of 28 days and then subsequent clearance of the iron uptake in the exposed fish that were transferred to clean water for 28 days. Fe(NO3)3 was the most acutely toxic compound followed by FeCl3, FeSO4, and Fe3O4 NPs. Exposure to Fe3O4 NPs and iron salts induced histopathology anomalies in both gills and intestine that included aneurism, hyperplasia, oedema, fusion of lamellae, lamellar synechiae, and clear signs of necrosis (in the gills) and increases in the number of goblet cells, blood cell counts, and higher numbers of lymphocyte (in the intestine). Fe3O4 NPs showed a higher level of uptake in the body tissues compared with iron salts (p < 0.05) with levels of Fe in the gill > intestine > liver > kidney. Fe was shown to be eliminated most efficiently from the gills, followed by the kidney, then liver and finally the intestine. The highest tissue bioconcentration factors (BCF) occurred in the liver for FeCl3, Fe3O4 NPs, and FeSO4 and in the gills for Fe(NO3)3. We thus show differences in the patterns of tissue accumulation, clearance and toxicological responses for exposures to Fe3O4 NPs and iron salts in blackfish with implications for different susceptibilities for biological effects.

Sub-active Toxicity Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Selected Organs in Male Mice

Background: Decreased particle size and increased surface area to volume ratio are beneficial properties of nanoparticles. However, there are contrasting reports on their potential organotoxic effects. The dose de-pendent toxicity effects of iron III oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs) on the biochemical indices and histology of select-ed organs of adult male mice were investigated. Methods: Fifty six male mice weighing between 25-32g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=14), the control/group 1 was given the vehicle/distilled water, while animals in groups (2-4) received 5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50mg/kg body weights of Fe2O3NPs (INP) respectively by intraperitoneal route of administration for 14 days after which blood samples were drawn for biochemical analysis. Histopathology studies on the effect of graded doses of INP on the architecture of the liver, kidney and testes of mice were carried out. Results: There were significant increases in plasma sodium, creatinine, urea, chloride, albumin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) in the experimental animals after the 7th and 14th days of ad-ministration of graded doses of INP compared with the control group(p&lt;0.05). These changes were dose-dependent. Photomicrographs showed morphological alterations including kupffer cells hyperplasia, hepatocyte necrosis, interstitial nephritis and eosinophilia of the renal tubular cells but only mild reduction in spermatid formation in testes at 25 and 50mg/kg dosage respectively. Conclusion: The Administration of INP brought about dose-dependent alterations in plasma markers of renal functions as well as hepatic enzymes activity. Deleterious morphological changes in architecture of the liver and kidney as well as mild changes in testes of mice were associated with INP administration

Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3) on Liver, Lung and Brain Proteomes following Sub-Acute Intranasal Exposure: A New Toxicological Assessment in Rat Model Using iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) present unique properties making them one of the most used NPs in the biomedical field. Nevertheless, for many years, growing production and use of IONPs are associated with risks that can affect human and the environment. Thus, it is essential to study the effects of these nanoparticles to better understand their mechanism of action and the molecular perturbations induced in the organism. In the present study, we investigated the toxicological effects of IONPs (γ-Fe2O3) on liver, lung and brain proteomes in Wistar rats. Exposed rats received IONP solution during 7 consecutive days by intranasal instillation at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. An iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics was used to study proteomic variations at the level of the three organs. Using this proteomic approach, we identified 1565; 1135 and 1161 proteins respectively in the brain, liver and lung. Amon them, we quantified 1541; 1125 and 1128 proteins respectively in the brain, liver and lung. Several proteins were dysregulated comparing treated samples to controls, particularly, proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling, cellular metabolism, immune system stimulation, inflammation process, response to oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) on life history and metabolism of the Neotropical cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii

Nanoparticles (NPs) production is increasing worldwide. These products are likely to end up in aquatic environments. However, few studies evaluated the chronic toxicity of iron-based NPs (Fe-NPs) to cladocerans and their potential ecotoxicological hazards. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) to Ceriodaphnia silvestrii Daday, 1902, assessing acute (48 h) and chronic toxicity (up to 14 d). Besides traditional endpoints (immobility and lethality), we also evaluated physiological responses (respiration rates) in a 48 h-exposure. No immobility was observed (EC50 > 100 mg L−1) after 48 h, whereas respiration rates at the highest concentration were 400% of that in control, indicating that this endpoint was more sensitive during acute toxicity. In chronic assays, Fe3O4-NPs affected body length (8.24% growth inhibition in 7 d-exposure) and number of eggs (7-d IC10: 3.53, IC20: 6.69 mg Fe L−1) and neonates (7-d IC10: 1.25, IC20: 3.75 mg Fe L−1). Based on species sensitivity distribution (SSD), C. silvestrii was a sensitive organism, suggesting Fe-NPs as a possible threat for this species. Our results also indicate that the NPs caused a physical barrier, impairing food absorption, since we observed NPs agglomerations into cladocerans’ gut. We demonstrate that Fe3O4-NPs affects C. silvestrii metabolism and reproduction and our results support the use of sublethal endpoints to assess environmental safety. The release of these NPs into freshwater environments should be carefully evaluated, since disturbances on cladoceran population dynamics could cause strong impacts on the entire food web structure and ultimately on ecosystem functioning.

Effects of Iron Oxide Nano-Particles on the Intestinal Tissue of Common Carp, Cyprinus Carpio

Background: The application of nano-particles (NPs) in various industries is growing. Since their toxicity is not clearly understood, they can cause adverse effects on the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of iron oxide nano-particles on the small intestine of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Methods: Four experimental treatments were designed (15 fish/treatment). Treatment 1 was the controls while Treatments 2, 3 and 4 were experimental. The experimental groups were exposed to 50, 75 and the 100 mg/L of iron oxide NPs, respectively. On days 14, 21 and 28, the fish were randomly picked from each tank, samples of the small intestine were dissected, and were examined for both the accumulation of the iron NPs and the tissue histopathologies. Results: The highest concentration of iron accumulation was detected for Treatment 3 on day 21, compared to all other treatment groups (p&lt;0.05). However, iron accumulation in the tissue declined unexpectedly after day 21 despite the continued treatments at 100 mg/L of the iron NPs. The histopathological examinations revealed that the treatment beyond 21 days caused damages to the intestinal epithelial cells, including enterocytes, villi and the goblet cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the effect of iron oxide NPs on the small intestinal tissue was dependant on the dose and duration of exposure. We conclude that the iron accumulation in the small intestine declined despite increasing the iron oxide NPs concentration and the exposure duration secondary to damages caused to the intestinal epithelial cell layer.

Iron oxide nanoparticle phytotoxicity to the aquatic plant Lemna minor: effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio.

Although iron oxide occurs naturally in the environment, iron oxide nanoparticles have distinct mobility, reactivity, and toxicity, which can harm the human health and nature. This scenario has motivated the investigation of the toxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (akaganeite predominance + hematite) on the aquatic plant Lemna minor. First, nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized; then, different iron oxide NP concentrations were added to Lemna minor culture. After 7days, all the Lemna minor leaves died, irrespective of the added NP concentration. The iron oxide NP impact on the plant was evaluated based on malondialdehyde (MDA) production from thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which was dose-dependent; i.e., lipid peroxidation in the plant increased with rising iron oxide NP concentration. The chlorophyll content decreased at high iron oxide NP concentrations, which disrupted the light absorption mechanism. Fe accumulation in Lemna minor roots also occurred, which can harm nutrient uptake. Therefore, the iron oxide NP toxic impact on plants and related ecosystems requires further studies in order to prevent environmental damage.

Impacts of iron oxide nanoparticles on organic matter degradation and microbial enzyme activities during agricultural waste composting

The effects of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs, including Fe2O3 NPs and Fe3O4 NPs) on composting were investigated through evaluating their influences on organic matter (OM) degradation, dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease (UA) activities, and quality of the final compost product. Results showed that composting amended with Fe2O3 NPs was more effective to facilitate OM degradation. At the end of composting, the total OM loss in T-C, T-Fe2O3 NPs and T-Fe3O4 NPs was 66.19%, 75.53% and 61.31%, respectively. DHA and UA were also improved on the whole by the amendment of IONPs, especially Fe2O3 NPs. Although relationships between enzyme activities and environmental variables were changed by different treatments, temperature was the most influential to variations of both DHA and UA in all treatments, which independently explained 75.1%, 34.7% and 38.4% of variations in the two enzyme activities in T-C, T-Fe2O3 NPs and T-Fe3O4 NPs, respectively. Compared with DHA, UA was more closely related to the environmental parameters. The germination index in T-C, T-Fe2O3 NPs and T-Fe3O4 NPs was 134.49%, 153.64% and 146.76%, and the average shoot length was 3.16, 3.87 and 3.45 cm, respectively, indicating that amendment of IONPs, especially Fe2O3 NPs, could promote seed germination and seedling growth. Therefore, composting amended with IONPs was a feasible and promising method to improve composting performance, enzyme activities as well as quality of the final compost product.

Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Oxidation and Secondary Structure of Growth Hormone

Oxidation of therapeutic proteins (TPs) can lead to changes in their pharmacokinetics, biological activity and immunogenicity. Metal impurities such as iron are known to increase oxidation of TPs, but nanoparticulate metals have unique physical and chemical properties compared to the bulk material or free metal ions. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) may originate from equipment used in the manufacturing of TPs or from needles during injection. In this study, the impact of IONPs on oxidation of a model protein, rat growth hormone (rGH), was investigated under chemical stress. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)- and 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride oxidized methionine residues of rGH, but unexpectedly, oxidation was suppressed in the presence of IONPs compared to a phosphate buffer control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated splitting of the α-helical absorbance band in the presence of IONPs, whereas circular dichroism spectra showed a reduced α-helical contribution with increasing temperature for both rGH and rGH-IONP mixtures. The results collectively indicate that IONPs can increase the chemical stability of rGH by altering the kinetics and preference of amino acid residues that are oxidized, although the changes in protein secondary structure by IONPs may lead to alterations of physical stability.

Investigating the toxic effects induced by iron oxide nanoparticles on neuroblastoma cell line: an integrative study combining cytotoxic, genotoxic and proteomic tools

Nanomaterials have gained much attention for their use and benefit in several fields. Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) have been used in Biomedicine as contrast agents for imaging cancer cells. However, several studies reported the potential toxicity of those nanoparticles in different models, especially in cells. Therefore, in our present study, we investigated the effects of IONPs on the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. We carried out cytotoxic and genotoxic studies to evaluate the phenotypic effects, and proteomic investigation to evaluate the molecular effects and the mechanisms by which this kind of NPs could induce toxicity. Our results showed that the use of three different sizes of IONPs (14, 22 and 30 nm) induced cell detachment, cell morphological changes, size, and concentration-dependent IONP internalization and cell mortality. IONPs induced slight genotoxic damage assayed by modified comet assay without affecting cell cycle, mitochondrial function, membrane integrity, intracellular calcium level, and without inducing ROS generation. All the studies were performed to compare also the effects of IONPs to the ferric iron by incubating cells with equivalent concentration of FeCl3. In all tests, the NPs exhibited more toxicity than the ferric iron. The proteomic analysis followed by gene ontology and pathway analysis evidenced the effects of IONPs on cytoskeleton, cell apoptosis, and cancer development. Our findings provided more information about IONP effects on human cells and especially on cancer cell line.