Open AccessMultiparametric Profiling of Engineered Nanomaterials: Unmasking the Surface Coating Effect
Author(s) -
Gallud Audrey,
Delaval Mathilde,
Kinaret Pia,
Marwah Veer Singh,
Fortino Vittorio,
Ytterberg Jimmy,
Zubarev Roman,
Skoog Tiina,
Kere Juha,
Correia Manuel,
Loeschner Katrin,
AlAhmady Zahraa,
Kostarelos Kostas,
Ruiz Jaime,
Astruc Didier,
Monopoli Marco,
Handy Richard,
Moya Sergio,
Savolainen Kai,
Alenius Harri,
Greco Dario,
Fadeel Bengt
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202002221
Subject(s) - cytotoxicity , chemistry , computational biology , multiplex , microarray , in vitro toxicology , in vitro , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , biology , gene , bioinformatics , biochemistry
Abstract Despite considerable efforts, the properties that drive the cytotoxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) remain poorly understood. Here, the authors inverstigate a panel of 31 ENMs with different core chemistries and a variety of surface modifications using conventional in vitro assays coupled with omics‐based approaches. Cytotoxicity screening and multiplex‐based cytokine profiling reveals a good concordance between primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages and the human monocyte‐like cell line THP‐1. Proteomics analysis following a low‐dose exposure of cells suggests a nonspecific stress response to ENMs, while microarray‐based profiling reveals significant changes in gene expression as a function of both surface modification and core chemistry. Pathway analysis highlights that the ENMs with cationic surfaces that are shown to elicit cytotoxicity downregulated DNA replication and cell cycle responses, while inflammatory responses are upregulated. These findings are validated using cell‐based assays. Notably, certain small, PEGylated ENMs are found to be noncytotoxic yet they induce transcriptional responses reminiscent of viruses. In sum, using a multiparametric approach, it is shown that surface chemistry is a key determinant of cellular responses to ENMs. The data also reveal that cytotoxicity, determined by conventional in vitro assays, does not necessarily correlate with transcriptional effects of ENMs.