Analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced mechanisms of toxicity

Introduction:

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is among the most commonly used nanomaterials for consumer products. Cytotoxicity of ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) has already been addressed in several studies; however, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms of toxicity. As to genotoxicity, which can already occur at sub-toxic doses, data is generally rare. It was therefore the aim of this study to establish a broad profile of toxicity for ZnO-NP by applying multiple test systems.

Methods:

Besides the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line FaDu, primary human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) were treated with ZnO-NP with variable doses and for different time periods. Cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle alteration were assessed by MTT-Test, PCR and flow cytometry. Fpg-modified Comet Assay was used to determine the influence of oxidative stress with regard to the total DNA-damage.

Results:

8 µg/ml ZnO-NP reduced cell viability in FaDu cells in the MTT-Test. Dose- and time-dependent increase of apoptosis and alterations of the cell cycle were verified by flow cytometry. After incubation with 5 µg/ml ZnO-NP a significant DNA-fragmentation was measured in BMSC with the Comet Assay. In all tested concentrations oxidative stress could be identified as an important factor of cell damage.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that ZnO-NP are toxic. At the current point a definite statement concerning the damaging potential of ZnO-NP is not to be made because the comparison between different studies is not possible. Yet especially the repetitive low-dose application of ZnO-NP as component of cosmetic products should be investigated toxicologically.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)