Abstract:
Background: Silica is the common name for silicon dioxide (SiO2) materials
and exists in both crystalline and amorphous forms. While crystalline silica is
known for its severe health effects, amorphous silica has been considered safe
and applied in many areas. However, some recent studies have showed
evidence of their toxicity, raising concerns about its use as nanomaterial for
biomedical applications. When nanomaterials enter the body, they are
enveloped in biological fluids rich in biomolecules, which compete for binding to
the nanomaterial. Such effect could alter their surface chemistry and therefore
affect their bio-distribution and interaction with cells.
Aim and objectives: As part of the EU-funded NANODRUG network
programme, the aim of this project was the in vitro toxicity assessment of
commercially-sourced fumed and colloidal amorphous silica particles in relation
to their physico-chemical properties and potential application as carriers for
drug delivery. The objectives were 1) characterization of silica particles
hydrodynamic (Hd) size and dispersity in different cell culture media; 2) in vitro
toxicological assessment of silica particles in human skin cells; 3) delineation of
toxicity mechanisms in relation to their size; 4) assessment of the influence of
Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) on particle Hd size and toxicity; and 5) contributing
to the overall objective of the NANODRUG programme - development of safe
nanodrugs for skin application - through collaborations with different partners. ...[cont.]
