Potential toxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION)

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are being widely used for various biomedical applications, for example, magnetic resonance imaging, targeted delivery of drugs or genes, and in hyperthermia. Although, the potential benefits of SPION are considerable, there is a distinct need to identify any potential cellular damage associated with these nanoparticles. Besides focussing on cytotoxicity, the most commonly used determinant of toxicity as a result of exposure to SPION, this review also mentions the importance of studying the subtle cellular alterations in the form of DNA damage and oxidative stress. We review current studies and discuss how SPION, with or without different surface coating, may cause cellular perturbations including modulation of actin cytoskeleton, alteration in gene expression profiles, disturbance in iron homeostasis and altered cellular responses such as activation of signalling pathways and impairment of cell cycle regulation. The importance of protein-SPION interaction and various safety considerations relating to SPION exposure are also addressed.

Long term biotransformation and toxicity of dimercaptosuccinic acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles support their use in biomedical applications

“…4C). Nanoparticles also affect cell cycle progression [5,6], which is closely related to cell uptake of MNP [49]. Cytometric analysis of the cell cycle showed that 100 µM BPA led to an increase in the sub-G1 population (>40%) and a decrease in G0-G1 (∼30%) and S (∼10%) populations compared to untreated controls (Fig.…”

“…Nanomaterials have a high surface/volume ratio, rendering them very reactive, and allows their accumulation within cells or tissues [5,6]. This reactivity can lead to toxicity due to interaction between nanomaterials and biological components [7].…”

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Design of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications

“…Consequently, this iron overload may lead to adverse biological effects such as inflammation, the formation of apoptotic bodies, impaired mitochondrial function (MTT), membrane leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH assay), generation of ROS, increase in micronuclei (indicators of gross chromosomal damage; a measure of genotoxicity), and chromosome condensation. [599] …”

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