Iron oxide nanoparticle toxicity testing using high throughput assays and high content imaging

Applying validated in vitro assays to the study of nanoparticle toxicity is a growing trend in nanomaterial risk assessment. Precise characterisation of reference nanomaterials and a well-regulated in vitro testing system are required to determine the physicochemical descriptors which dictate the toxic potential of nanomaterials. The use of high throughput, automated technologies to facilitate the identification and prioritization of nanomaterials which could pose a risk is desirable and developments are underway. Mammalian cells were treated with a range of concentrations of iron oxide nanomaterials manufactured for use in medical diagnostics, using a high throughput platform and high content imaging end-points for cell viability, ROS-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage (double strand breaks). At the same time, the comet assay was employed to measure single and double strand breaks (SBs) and oxidised bases in DNA. Our results show that for iron oxide nanomaterials, these methods provide a fast way to determine the lowest effective concentration and predict the mechanism of toxicity in vitro.

HARRIS Georgia;  PALOSAARI Taina;  MAGDOLENOVA Zusanna;  MENNECOZZI Milena;  GINESTE Jean-Michel;  SAAVEDRA Luis;  MILCAMPS Anne;  HUK A;  COLLINS Andrew;  DUSINSKA Maria;  WHELAN Maurice; 

2018-03-16

INFORMA HEALTHCARE

JRC75615

1743-5390,   

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/17435390.2013.816797,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC75615,   

10.3109/17435390.2013.816797,