Cytotoxic effects of crystalline silica in form of micro and nanoparticles on the human lung cell line A549

Abstract

Airborne crystalline silica (SiO2) particles are one of the most common pollutants in stone industries. Limited studies have investigated the health effects of crystalline SiO2 nanoparticles. Hence, the objective of this study was to study the cytotoxicity of SiO2 in nano and micron sizes. A mineral quartz sample in the range of 0.2–0.8 mm sizes was purchased. These particles were ground at about 5 and 0.1 microns. Human cell line A549 was exposed to micro and nanometer particles at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250 μg/ml for 24 and 72 h. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of exposed cells was investigated by measuring cell survival, ROS generation, mitochondrial permeability, and intracellular glutathione content. The results showed that crystalline SiO2 nano and microparticles decreased cell survival, increased ROS generation, damaged the mitochondrial membrane, and lowered the antioxidant content of these cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The toxicity of crystalline SiO2 microparticles at concentrations ≤50 μg/mL was greater than for nanoparticles, which was the opposite at concentrations ≥100 μg/mL. Exposure time and concentration were crucial factors for the cytotoxicity of exposed A549 cells to crystalline SiO2 particles, which can affect the severity of the effect of particle size. Due to the limitation of exposure concentration and test durations in this study, further studies on the parameters of nanoparticle toxicity and underlying mechanisms could advance our knowledge.

Benchmark dose determining airborne crystalline silica particles based on A549 lung-cell line survival in an in vitro study

“…In our research, the viability of the A549 human lung cell line was reduced as a result of exposure to nanoparticles and micro-particles. Furthermore, it has been determined that the severity of toxic effects was in uenced by two factors, exposure time and concentration (19). This observation is consistent with the outcomes of…”

Silica nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in A549 cell lines

“…The evaluation of the effects of SiO 2 NPs on the percentage of cell viability has also brought different results. Rafieipour et al in 2023, found that crystalline SiO 2 nanoparticles and microparticles reduce cell survival and reduce the antioxidant content of cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner 5 . On the other hand, a study by Ahamed et al in 2013 showed that SiO 2 nanoparticles cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis in A549 cells.…”

“…These findings underscore the importance of continued research into the health effects of SiO 2 NPs, with a focus on understanding their interactions with cellular reactive oxygen species and glutathione, as well as the activation of cell death in response to SiO 2 NPs exposure 25 . Research has demonstrated that exposure to crystalline SiO 2 NPs and microparticles leads to a decrease in cell survival, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane damage, and a reduction in the antioxidant content of cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner 5 . The observed effects of SiO 2 NPs on the viability of A549 cells can be influenced by a multitude of factors.…”

“…The rapid advancement of nanotechnology and the growing incorporation of silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) into a multitude of sectors, such as electronics 1 , medicine 2 , food industry 3 , and energy production 4 , has prompted a surge in interest in these nanoparticles 5 , particularly concerning their potential implications for human health and the environment 6,7 . SiO 2 NPs characterized by their unique properties, have been directly integrated into an array of products, thereby driving the expansion of the SiO 2 NPs industry 8 .…”