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Title:

Comparison of cytotoxic and inflammatory responses of pristine and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages

Date:

6/2012

Link to Journal Abstract

Abstract:

The increased application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has raised the level of public concern regarding possible toxicities. Using in vitro cellular assays, we were able to assess the immunotoxicity of pristine multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and their derivatives, covalently functionalized with carboxyl (COOH) or polyethylene glycol (PEG), in rodent macrophage cells. Moreover, special focus was placed on the role of surface modification and nanotubes aggregation on toxicity. Results showed that pristine MWCNTs reduce cell viability compared with functionalized MWCNTs in RAW 264.7 macrophages when incubated at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 �g/mL. However, in addition to causing cytotoxicity, functionalized MWCNTs induce serious inflammatory responses, as indicated by the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-�, IL-1� and IL-6 at various MWCNTs concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 �g/mL). Particle surface modification and dispersion status in biological medium were key factors in determining cytotoxicity. These findings imply that MWCNTs-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages may be associated with surface modification and aggregation of MWCNTs, which is reflected by alteration of inflammatory cytokine expression.

Non-technical Summary:

In this study, the authors assessed the immunotoxicity of pristine multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and their derivatives, covalently functionalized with carboxyl (COOH) or polyethylene glycol (PEG), in rodent macrophage cells using in vitro cellular assays.

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Peer Reviewed Journal Article

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