The biocompatibility of nanosized materials: intracellular nanoparticle stability and effects on toxicity and particle functionality

The present work describes the use of a recently established multiparametric methodology to study nanomaterial toxicity. Using optimized methods, including proliferation-restricted cell types and endosomal buffer systems, the effect of different types of nanomaterials on cultured cells were studied, focusing in particular on intracellular particle degradation. Gold particles were quite resistant, whereas iron oxide degraded, with loss of magnetic resonance contrast, but little toxicity associated. Quantum dots degraded more slowly, decreasing both fluorescence quantum yield and cell viability over long-time periods. The multiparametric methodology is shown to be an efficient screening strategy, allowing easy comparison of results obtained for different nanomaterials and hereby helping to optimize nanoparticle design with improved safety