Cytotoxicity Effect of Iron Oxide (Fe3O4)/Graphene Oxide (GO) Nanosheets in Cultured HBE Cells

Abstract

Iron oxide (Fe3O4), a classical magnetic material, has been widely utilized in the field of biological magnetic resonance imaging Graphene oxide (GO) has also been extensively applied as a drug carrier due to its high specific surface area and other properties. Recently, numerous studies have synthesized Fe3O4/GO nanomaterials for biological diagnosis and treatments, including photothermal therapy and magnetic thermal therapy. However, the biosafety of the synthesized Fe3O4/GO nanomaterials still needs to be further identified. Therefore, this research intended to ascertain the cytotoxicity of Fe3O4/GO after treatment with different conditions in HBE cells. The results indicated the time-dependent and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of Fe3O4/GO. Meanwhile, exposure to Fe3O4/GO nanomaterials increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, calcium ions levels, and oxidative stress in mitochondria produced by these nanomaterials activated Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, ultimately leading to cell apoptosis.

Fenton-Hydroxyl Radical Antioxidant Efficiency of Ibuprofen-Fe3O4-GO Nanospheres

“…Fe 3 O 4 -GO nanoplatform is regarded as a promising contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can significantly increase the loading capacity of organic molecules due to the π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding . From a biological point of view, Fe 3 O 4 -GO can increase ROS production, Ca + ion concentration, oxidative stress in mitochondria and activate Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 leading to cell apoptosis . As Fe 3 O 4 -GO exhibits peroxidase-like activity, it can be potentially applied as a nanozyme .…”

“…18 From a biological point of view, Fe 3 O 4 -GO can increase ROS production, Ca + ion concentration, oxidative stress in mitochondria and activate Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 leading to cell apoptosis. 19 As Fe 3 O 4 -GO exhibits peroxidase-like activity, it can be potentially applied as a nanozyme. 20 At present Fe 3 O 4 -GO has been produced for loading with various drugs such as doxorubicin, 21 5-fluorouracil, 22 camptothecin and methotrexate 23 and ultrasonic (20 kHz) functionalization of ketorolac 24 and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).…”

Fe3O4 Nanoparticles in Combination with 5-FU Exert Antitumor Effects Superior to Those of the Active Drug in a Colon Cancer Cell Model

“…Furthermore, Fe 3 O 4 /composite nanomaterials enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress-inducing cell apoptosis [ 19 ]. Another exciting aspect of iron oxide action is its immunomodulatory effects.…”

“…Interleukin-10 (IL-10), an important cytokine secreted by various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and endothelial cells [ 22 ], was shown to affect the homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium. Notably, IL-10 is a crucial inhibitor of the immune response harnessed by various tumors to evade the immune system [ 19 , 23 , 24 ].…”