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Evaluation of cell viability, DNA damage, and cell death in normal human dermal fibroblast cells induced by functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube

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Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an example of a carbon-based nanomaterial that has won enormous popularity in nanotechnology. Due to their unusual one-dimensional hollow nanostructure and unique physicochemical properties, they are highly desirable for use within the commercial, environmental, and medical sectors. Despite their wide application, there is a lack of information concerning their impact on human health and the environment. While nanotechnology looms large with commercial promise and potential benefit, an equally large issue is the evaluation of potential effects on humans and other biological systems. Our research is focused on cellular response to purified functionalized MWCNT in normal human dermal fibroblast cells. Three exposure concentrations (40, 200, and 400 μg/ml) of functionalized MWCNT and control (Tween-80 + 0.9% saline) were used in this study. Following exposure to MWCNT, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and apoptosis assays were performed using standard protocols. Our results demonstrated a dose-dependent toxicity with functionalized MWCNT. It was found to be toxic and induced massive loss of cell viability through DNA damage and programmed cell death of all doses compared to control. Our results demonstrate that carbon nanotubes indeed can be very toxic at sufficiently high concentrations from environmental and occupational exposure and that careful monitoring of toxicity studies is essential for risk assessment.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from National Institute of Health (Grant No. 2G12RR13459) through RCMI-Center for Environmental Health and in part by Title III-Strengthening HBCU at Jackson State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Toxicology Research Laboratory, NIH-Center for Environmental Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA

    Anita Patlolla & Paul Tchounwou

  2. Biology Department, Alcorn State University, Alcorn, MS, USA

    Babu Patlolla

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  1. Anita Patlolla
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  2. Babu Patlolla
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Correspondence to Anita Patlolla.

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Patlolla, A., Patlolla, B. & Tchounwou, P. Evaluation of cell viability, DNA damage, and cell death in normal human dermal fibroblast cells induced by functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube. Mol Cell Biochem 338, 225–232 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-009-0356-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-009-0356-2

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