Biological interactions of ferromagnetic iron oxide-carbon nanohybrids with alveolar epithelial cells
Silvia Vercellino (University College Dublin)
Ida Kokalari (University of Turin, TU Delft - Applied Sciences)
Mayra Liz Cantoral (University College Dublin, University of Turin)
Vanya Petseva (University College Dublin)
Lorenzo Cursi (University College Dublin)
Francesca Casoli (Istituto dei materiali per l'elettronica ed il magnetismo, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche)
Valentina Castagnola (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University College Dublin, IRCC-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino)
Luca Boselli (Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, University College Dublin)
Ivana Fenoglio (University of Turin)
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Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been largely investigated in a plethora of biological fields for their interesting physical-chemical properties, which make them suitable for application in cancer therapy, neuroscience, and imaging. Several encouraging results have been reported in these contexts. However, the possible toxic effects of some IONP formulations can limit their applicability. In this work, IONPs were synthesized with a carbon shell (IONP@C), providing enhanced stability both as colloidal dispersion and in the biological environment. We conducted a careful multiparametric evaluation of IONP@C biological interactions in vitro, providing them with an in vivo-like biological identity. Our hybrid nanoformulation showed no cytotoxic effects on a widely employed model of alveolar epithelial cells for a variety of concentrations and exposure times. The IONP@C were efficiently internalized and TEM analysis allowed the protective role of the carbon shell against intracellular degradation to be assessed. Intracellular redistribution of the IONP@C from the lysosomes to the lamellar bodies was also observed after 72 hours.