Effects of single and multi walled carbon nanotubes on macrophages: Cyto and genotoxicity and electron microscopy

• Published in: Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis 2011-05, Vol.722 (1), p.20-31
• Main Authors: Di Giorgio, Maria Laura, Bucchianico, Sebastiano Di, Ragnelli, Anna Maria, Aimola, Pierpaolo, Santucci, Sandro, Poma, Anna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Atomic force microscopy; Biological and medical sciences; Carbon; Carbon black; Carbon nanotubes genotoxicity; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution; Medical sciences; Microscopy; Nanotechnology; Nanotubes; Reactive oxygen species; Rodents; Scanning electron microscopy; Toxicity; Toxicology; Transmission electron microscopy
• ISSN: 1383-5718; 1879-3592
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.02.008

Production of nanotechnology-based materials is increasing worldwide: it is essential to evaluate their potential toxicity. Among these nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have tremendous potential in many areas of research and applications. We have investigated the cyto- and genotoxic effects of single and multi-walled CNTs (SWCNTs, MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB) on the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Specifically we have investigated inflammatory response, release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell death (both necrosis and apoptosis), chromosomal aberrations and cellular ultrastructural alteration caused by CB, MWCNTs and SWCNTs. Our data confirm that both CNTs and CB are cyto and geno-toxic to RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. CNTs exposure induced ROS release, necrosis and chromosomal aberrations but did not cause an inflammatory response. In addition CNTs induce ultrastructural damage and apoptosis. CNTs penetrate the cell membrane and individual MWCNTs are seen associated with the nuclear envelope.