The Dynamic Characteristics of Silver Nanoparticles in Physiological Fluids: Toxicological Implications

Abstract

The field of nanotoxicology has made tremendous progress identifying novel and potentially adverse biological effects observed following nanomaterial (NM) exposure. However, one facet yet to be satisfactorily explored is how a physiological environment modifies NM physicochemical properties, thus introducing new and dynamic complexities involving solid phase material exposures. In this study, artificial alveolar, lysosomal, and interstitial fluids were used to mimic physiological environments for identifying material property aspects for hydrocarbon (Ag-HC) and polysaccharide (Ag-PS) coated silver NM. As inhalation is a common route of exposure, an alveolar macrophage cell model with deposition dosages representing approximately 2.5 months and 10 years of occupational exposure (0.5 and 25 ng/mL, respectively) were employed. Following dispersion in the artificial fluids, the Ag-HC and Ag-PS NPs demonstrated significant alterations to morphology, aggregation patterns, and particle reactivity. However, the Ag-PS also demonstrated a loss of particle coating, elicited an induced cytotoxicity, increased phagocytosis, and inflammation not associated with the original Ag-PS. This study demonstrated that in a physiological system NMs undergo considerable modulation introducing a scenario where NMs that were initially not to have frank toxicity do change over time with internal bioconditions. The dynamics of solid phase chemical material after exposure dosing remains a critical research area for defining the full bioeffects impact of nanomaterials with limited aqueous solubility.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 19, 2014
Accession Number
ADA628261

Entities

People

  • Emily K. Breitner
  • John J. Schlager
  • Kristen K Comfort
  • Laura K. Braydich-stolle
  • Saber M. Hussain

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Environment
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Macrophages
  • Materials
  • Materials Engineering
  • Metallic Nanoparticles
  • Nanoparticles
  • Particles
  • Physical Properties
  • Polysaccharides
  • Surface Chemistry
  • Toxicity

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology