Potential Of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Nanoparticles Dysregulate the Human Placental Secretome with Consequences on Angiogenesis and Vascularization.

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) in pregnancy is increasingly linked to adverse effects on embryo-fetal development and health later in life. However, the developmental toxicity mechanisms of NPs are largely unknown, in particular potential effects on the placental secretome, which orchestrates many developmental processes pivotal for pregnancy success. This study demonstrates extensive material- and pregnancy stage-specific deregulation of placental signaling from a single exposure of human placental explants to physiologically relevant concentrations of engineered (silica (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs) and environmental NPs (diesel exhaust particles, DEPs). This includes a multitude of secreted inflammatory, vascular, and endocrine placental factors as well as extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated proteins. Moreover, conditioned media (CM) from NP-exposed explants induce pronounced anti-angiogenic and anti-vasculogenic effects, while early neurodevelopmental processes are only marginally affected. These findings underscore the potential of metal oxide NPs and DEPs for widespread interference with the placental secretome and identify vascular morphogenesis as a sensitive outcome for the indirect developmental toxicity of different NPs. Overall, this work has profound implications for the future safety assessment of NPs for industrial, commercial, or medical applications in pregnancy, which should consider placenta-mediated toxicity by holistic secretomics approaches to ensure the development of safe nanotechnologies.

Exploring the In Vitro Antidiabetic Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lemongrass and Mint Formulation.

Aim This study aimed to compare the antidiabetic effect of metal oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs and ZnONPs)prepared using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. Introduction The study explores green-synthesized nanoparticles for potential applications in diabetes management, emphasizing sustainable synthesis methods, particularly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) produced from lemongrass and mint herbal formulations. The study was prompted by the increasing importance of innovative therapeutic strategies, responding to emerging health challenges, and leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and eco-friendly practices to explore the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in diabetes management. Methods The methods involve herbal formulation preparation, CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis, and UV-visible spectrophotometry for characterization. In vitro antidiabetic activity is assessed through α-amylase and β-glucosidase enzyme assays using varied nanoparticle concentrations (10-50 µL). Results Visual observations confirm successful synthesis, with distinct color changes observed in both CuONPs and ZnONPs after 24 hours. UV-visible spectrophotometry reveals absorption peaks at 440 nm and 380 nm for CuONPs and ZnONPs, respectively. In the α-amylase assay, both nanoparticles exhibit concentration-dependent inhibition, with CuONPs ranging from 40% to 77% and ZnONPs ranging from 36% to 80%. The β-glucosidase assay demonstrates similar concentration-dependent inhibition patterns, highlighting significant differences. Conclusion The study concludes that CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesis using lemongrass and mint herbal formulations show concentration-dependent antidiabetic activity. The comparative analysis underscores the need for tailored approaches based on nanoparticle composition. These findings contribute valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles, paving the way for future nanomedicine research and development in diabetes management.

Chemically Modified Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties with Cinnamon Essential Oil.

We explored the potential of different nanoparticles (TiO2, CaCO3, and Al2O3), considering their pure form and modified with cinnamon essential oil (CEO). These materials were characterized using various techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, TGA, and SEM. The interaction between CEO and nanoparticles changed depending on the nanoparticle type. Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibited the strongest interaction with CEO, increasing their antioxidant capacity by around 40% and their transfer of antimicrobial properties, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, TiO2 and CaCO3 nanoparticles showed limited interaction with CEO, resulting in lower antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Incorporating pure and CEO-modified nanoparticles into polylactic acid (PLA) films improved their mechanical and thermal properties, which are suitable for applications requiring greater strength. This research highlights the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles to enhance the antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities of polymers. In addition, incorporating cinnamon essential oil can increase the antioxidant and antimicrobial effectiveness of the metal oxide nanoparticles and improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA films. Thus, these PLA films exhibit favorable characteristics for active packaging applications.

Understanding mechanism governing the inflammatory potential of metal oxide nanoparticles using periodic table-based descriptors: a nano-QSAR approach

ABSTRACT Metal oxide nanoparticles (MeOxNPs) can be made safer by understanding the interaction between the immune system and nanoparticles. A nano-quantitative structure–activity relationship (nano-QSAR) model can be used to evaluate nanoparticle risk quickly and conveniently. The present work attempts to develop nano-QSAR models to determine the inflammatory potential of MeOxNPs based on the THP-1 cell line. A comprehensive dataset comprising 32 MeOxNPs was used to develop a regression model with fold change (FC) of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta (IL-1b) release in the THP-1 cell line as the endpoint. Further, the same number of MeOx NPs with varying doses was modelled for the cell viability [-ln(p/(1-p))] endpoint. The results obtained from regression models were statistically significant. The descriptors obtained from the developed predictive models inferred that dose, electronegativity and the presence of metal ions and oxygen can be responsible for IL-1β leakage from the THP-1 cell line. Based on our results, we can conclude that periodic table-based descriptors, incorporated into the QSAR models, are reliable for modelling pro-inflammatory potential. Researchers can use these comprehensive results to design metal oxide nanoparticles with lower toxicity and determine the cause of pro-inflammatory conditions induced by MeOxNPs.

Magnetic Li–M (M = Ni, Ni0.8Cu0.2, Cr) layered oxides nanoparticles for Li-ion batteries electrodes

Nanoparticles of Li–Ni, Li–(Ni, Cu) and Li–Cr layered oxides, with potential applications as cathode materials in lithium batteries, were prepared by solid-state reaction and sol-gel method. The combination of structural analysis and magnetic characterization allowed the clear identification of the phases present in the synthesized nanoparticles. The main component of Li–Ni oxide nanoparticles is the electrochemically active and ferrimagnetic phase Li1−z Ni1+z O2, whereas those of Li–Cr oxide are the antiferromagnetic phases LiCrO2 and Cr2O3. A small substitution of Cu for Ni in Li–Ni oxide determines the formation of nanoparticles in which the main phase is the antiferromagnetic phase Li1−z Ni1+z O2. Operation tests in lithium batteries and post-mortem analysis, aimed at assessing the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles as cathode materials, were performed on all samples.

Application of zincon analysis to investigate the zinc speciation in aqueous media for further understanding of ZnO solubility

The environmental accumulation and toxicity potential of metal oxide nanoparticles because of their increasing use in various commercial products have increased the interest in understanding the behavior of these materials in the aquatic environment. For example, zinc oxide (ZnO) is used in various industrial applications but exhibits partial solubility in aqueous media, therefore it has potential aquatoxic action. ZnO dissolves in water by releasing Zn2+ ions; thus, understanding the complexation behavior of these ions with water is crucial to be able to give a complete description of the fate of ZnO in aquatic environment. In this study, we propose application of a reliable and facile route based on the zincon analysis to further understand the Zn2+ complexation when ZnO is placed in aqueous media. To evaluate this, eight Zn2+ standards at a certain concentration were first prepared in the pH range between 7.0 and 10.0. Samples were analyzed via Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and the zincon analysis by monitoring their UV absorbance maximum at 620 nm. Analysis before and after centrifugation aided the investigation of the pH dependent complexation of Zn2+. In the centrifuged samples, the measured zinc ion fraction decreased, suggesting precipitation of zinc as zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2(s)) in the solid form from the solution when the pH was increased from 7.0 to 10.0. However, there was no significant decrease in the non-centrifuged samples in the same pH range. These results show that the zincon analysis can be used to quantify both Zn2+(aq) ions and Zn(OH)2. Moreover, the zincon results were consistent with the results of ICP-MS/MS analyses. The centrifugation helps to sediment solid hydroxide particles enabling one to predict fraction of the ions and the hydroxides. Solid hydroxide precipitate was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDX; and formation of orthorhombic Zn(OH)2 phase was confirmed.

Flow cytometric evaluation of the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles for skin sensitization using 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine.

Although skin sensitization potential of various chemicals has been extensively studied, there are only a few reports on nanoparticles induced skin sensitization. Aiming to fill this lacuna, in this study we evaluated the potential of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) to induce skin sensitization with flow cytometry. Seven different metal oxide NPs, including copper oxide, cobalt oxide, nickel oxide, titanium oxide, cerium oxide, iron oxide, and zinc oxide were applied to Balb/c mice. After selecting the proper vehicle, the NPs were applied, and the skin sensitization potential were assessed using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine with flow cytometry. Physiochemical properties such as hydrodynamic size, polydispersity, and zeta potential were measured for the NPs prior to the tests. All the seven metal oxide NPs studied showed negative responses for skin sensitization potential. These results suggest that the OECD TG 442B using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine with flow cytometry can be applied to evaluate the potential of NPs for skin sensitization.

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Models for Predicting Inflammatory Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles.

Background:Although substantial concerns about the inflammatory effects of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) have been raised, experimentally assessing toxicity of various ENMs is challenging and time-consuming. Alternatively, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models have been employed to assess nanosafety. However, no previous attempt has been made to predict the inflammatory potential of ENMs.Objectives:By employing metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) as a model ENM, we aimed to develop QSAR models for prediction of the inflammatory potential by their physicochemical properties.Methods:We built a comprehensive data set of 30 MeONPs to screen a proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 beta () release in THP-1 cell line. The in vitro hazard ranking was validated in mouse lungs by oropharyngeal instillation of six randomly selected MeONPs. We established QSAR models for prediction of MeONP-induced inflammatory potential via machine learning. The models were further validated against seven new MeONPs. Density functional theory (DFT) computations were exploited to decipher the key mechanisms driving inflammatory responses of MeONPs.Results:Seventeen out of 30 MeONPs induced excess production in THP-1 cells. In vivo disease outcomes were highly relevant to the in vitro data. QSAR models were developed for inflammatory potential, with predictive accuracy (ACC) exceeding 90%. The models were further validated experimentally against seven independent MeONPs (). DFT computations and experimental results further revealed the underlying mechanisms: MeONPs with metal electronegativity lower than 1.55 and positive were more likely to cause lysosomal damage and inflammation.Conclusions: released in THP-1 cells can be an index to rank the inflammatory potential of MeONPs. QSAR models based on were able to predict the inflammatory potential of MeONPs. Our approach overcame the challenge of time- and labor-consuming biological experiments and allowed for computational assessment of MeONP inflammatory potential by characterization of their physicochemical properties. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6508

Hemobiomarkers of health hazard potential of metal oxide nanoparticles.

The study was designed to evaluate the possible adverse effects and consequences of metal oxide nanoparticles used on some major body organ functions and health parameters. Thirty albino rats, allocated randomly into three groups for experimental period of 20 days post-administration were used. Different effects of metal oxide nanoparticles were targeted including, thyroid, parathyroid, kidney, calcium, phosphate, hematological parameters and indices, as well as oxidative stress markers of the red blood cells and their membranes as alpha tocopherol and GSH, by using different analytical methods. Data revealed thyroid and parathyroid hormonal disturbances; kidney dysfunction in the form of accumulation of some waste products as BUN, creatinine, and uric acid. A decrease in the calcium and phosphate and an increase in the potassium and phosphate concentrations was recorded. A marked decrease in the indices of anemia and diminished oxidative stress indicators were also evident, associated with marked increase in the total leukocyte count. The present study confirmed the health risks of the use of metal oxide nanoparticles in the medical field without precautions and supervision; and may encourage application of nanoparticles from alternative origins, such as plants, algae, or microorganisms instead (Tab. 5, Fig. 4, Ref. 30) Keywords: nanoparticles, thyroid, parathyroid, kidney, oxidative stress, blood, green, alternative.

Determination of the Flat Band Potential of Nanoparticles in Porous Electrodes by Blocking the Substrate–Electrolyte Contact

The determination of the flat band potential of metal oxide nanoparticles is essential to understand their electrochemical behavior in aqueous environments. The electrochemical behavior determines the possible applications and governs the environmental impact of a nanomaterial. Hence, a new electrode fabrication method is demonstrated that allows determining the flat band potential of nanoparticles in porous nanoparticle electrodes via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In such electrodes, the electrolyte is in contact with the substrate material and contributes significantly to the ac response of the entire electrode. To block the substrate–electrolyte contact, the nanoparticle layers were imbibed in a liquid diacrylate monomer, followed by polymerization. To reestablish the contact between the outermost polymer-covered particles and the electrolyte, an O2 plasma treatment was conducted. Based on this new electrode fabrication procedure, the flat band potential of TiO2, WO3, and Co3O4 nanoparticles ...

In vitro antibacterial potential of metal oxide nanoparticles against antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens

ObjectiveTo investigate the antibacterial potential of 5 different metal oxide nanoparticles against antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp. MethodsThe antibacterial activity of the five different nanoparticles was assessed by well diffusion method. Different concentrations of the nanoparticles were analyzed by MIC and MBC techniques. Finally the potential MgO nanoparticle was also subjected for the time kill assay method. ResultsThe results reveal that, the MgO nanoparticle showed maximum sensitivity [(16.00±0.53) mm dia] against Streptococcus pneumoniae and showed minimum sensitivity against Klebsiella sp. [(9.00±0.31) mm dia]. None of the nanoparticles showed sensitivity against the Streptococcus sp. The MIC result reveals that, the MgO nanoparticle showed maximum inhibition at a concentration of 10 μ g against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, the time kill assay reveals that, the bacterial growth was inhibited from the 2nd h onwards at a concentration of 10μ g. ConclusionsIt is concluded from the present findings that, the MgO nanoparticle could be used as an alternative antibacterial agent after completing successful in vivo trials.

Nickel ENMs Activate HIF-1α

The health record of nickel, a known carcinogen, is far from shiny. Now the metal’s reputation has been further tarnished with the discovery that nano-scale nickel triggers a cellular pathway linked to cancer much more effectively than larger particles do.1 Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) typically measure less than 100 nm in at least one dimension. Their minuscule size gives them novel physical and biological properties, and, being manufactured in a wide range of chemical compounds and shapes, they have applications in numerous fields.2 Nickel nanoparticles are used in catalysts, sensors, energy storage devices, and other products, although they are not yet made in great quantity. “It’s essential to study the toxicological properties so we understand them before they become widely used,” says Jodie Pietruska, a postdoctoral researcher at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, who led the new study. Nickel is a well-known occupational hazard.3 In rodent studies, nickel nanoparticles instilled in the trachea and lung caused greater toxicity and inflammation than larger particles,4,5,6 and inhaled nickel nanoparticles caused signs of vascular disease.7,8 Brown University pathologist Agnes Kane coauthored a 2007 paper showing that, compared with larger micron-scale nickel, nickel nanoparticles release nickel ions more rapidly, a mechanism characteristic of carcinogenic nickel compounds.9 To further connect the dots, Kane, Pietruska, and colleagues conducted a series of experiments comparing the behavior in human lung epithelial cells of nickel oxide and pure metallic-nickel nanoparticles with larger metallic-nickel microparticles.1 They detected nickel ions inside lung epithelial cells exposed to nickel nanoparticles but not to nickel microparticles. And they showed that exposure to the nanoparticles, but not the microparticles, activated the HIF-1α cellular pathway, which is thought to be involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The researchers also found differences in overt toxicity of the various forms of nickel, with the nanoparticles killing the lung epithelial cells quickly and the microparticles having little effect. Intriguingly, in toxicity as well as in ion release and activation of the HIF-1α〈 pathway, nickel oxide was much more active than metallic nickel. Pietruska and Kane speculate that metallic nickel may be the more carcinogenic nanoparticle, because it seems more likely to let cells survive long enough to develop cancer. More research is needed, ultimately in live animals, before nickel nanoparticles can definitively be said to cause cancer. Vincent Castranova, coordinator of nanotoxicology research at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, says the finding has implications for agents besides nickel and reinforces the prediction that many ENMs will have greater biological effects than their larger-form counterparts. “It’s an important finding, but it’s not a surprising finding,” he says. “It confirms what would have been our suspicions.”

Cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation of metal oxide nanoparticles in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

Wide applications and extreme potential of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) increase occupational and public exposure and may yield extraordinary hazards for human health. Exposure to NPs has a risk for dysfunction of the vascular endothelial cells. The objective of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of six metal oxide NPs to human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) in vitro. Metal oxide NPs used in this study included zinc oxide (ZnO), iron(III) oxide (Fe(2)O(3)), iron(II,III) oxide (Fe(3)O(4)), magnesium oxide (MgO), aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)), and copper(II) oxide (CuO). The cell viability, membrane leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, intracellular reactive oxygen species, permeability of plasma membrane, and expression of inflammatory markers vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, macrophage cationic peptide-1, and interleukin-8 in HCMECs were assessed under controlled and exposed conditions (12-24 h and 0.001-100 μg/ml of exposure). The results indicated that Fe(2)O(3), Fe(3)O(4), and Al(2)O(3) NPs did not have significant effects on cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation response in HCMECs at any of the concentrations tested. ZnO, CuO, and MgO NPs produced the cytotoxicity at the concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner, and elicited the permeability and inflammation response in HCMECs. These results demonstrated that cytotoxicity, permeability, and inflammation in vascular endothelial cells following exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles depended on particle composition, concentration, and exposure time.

Cellular uptake and mutagenic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles in bacterial cells

Extensive production and consumption of nanomaterials such as ZnO and TiO 2 has increased their release and disposal into the environment. The accumulation of nanoparticles (NPs) in ecosystem is likely to pose threat to non-specific targets such as bacteria. The present study explored the effect of ZnO and TiO 2 NPs in a model bacterium, Salmonella typhimurium. The uptake of ZnO and TiO 2 bare NPs in nano range without agglomeration was observed in S. typhimurium. TEM analysis demonstrated the internalization and uniform distribution of NPs inside the cells. Flow cytometry data also demonstrates that both ZnO and TiO 2 NPs were significantly internalized in the S. typhimurium cells in a concentration dependent manner. A significant increase in uptake was observed in the S. typhimurium treated even with 8 and 80 ng mL −1 of ZnO and TiO 2 NPs with S9 after 60 min, possibly the formation of micelles or protein coat facilitated entry of NPs. These NPs exhibited weak mutagenic potential in S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA1537 and Escherichia coli (WP2uvrA) of Ames test underscoring the possible carcinogenic potential similar to certain mutagenic chemicals. Our study reiterates the need for re-evaluating environmental toxicity of ZnO and TiO 2 NPs presumably considered safe in environment.

Embryotoxic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles by an integrating microscopy approach

Embryotoxic potential of metal oxide nanoparticles by an integrating microscopy approach

Efficacy of Simple Short-Term in Vitro Assays for Predicting the Potential of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles to Cause Pulmonary Inflammation

BackgroundThere has been concern regarding risks from inhalation exposure to nanoparticles (NPs). The large number of particles requiring testing means that alternative approaches to animal testing are needed.ObjectivesWe set out to determine whether short-term in vitro assays that assess intrinsic oxidative stress potential and membrane-damaging potency of a panel of metal oxide NPs can be used to predict their inflammogenic potency.MethodsFor a panel of metal oxide NPs, we investigated intrinsic free radical generation, oxidative activity in an extracellular environment, cytotoxicity to lung epithelial cells, hemolysis, and inflammation potency in rat lungs. All exposures were carried out at equal surface area doses.ResultsOnly nickel oxide (NiO) and alumina 2 caused significant lung inflammation when instilled into rat lungs at equal surface area, suggesting that these two had extra surface reactivity. We observed significant free radical generation with 4 of 13 metal oxides, only one of which was inflammogenic. Only 3 of 13 were significantly hemolytic, two of which were inflammogenic.ConclusionsPotency in generating free radicals in vitro did not predict inflammation, whereas alumina 2 had no free radical activity but was inflammogenic. The hemolysis assay was correct in predicting the proinflammatory potential of 12 of 13 of the particles examined. Using a battery of simple in vitro tests, it is possible to predict the inflammogenicity of metal oxide NPs, although some false-positive results are likely. More research using a larger panel is needed to confirm the efficacy and generality of this approach for metal oxide NPs.