NanoPharmaceuticals Online Journal, Vol 1, Oct, 2006

Death by Nanoparticles

By

Dusica Maysinger*

Maik Behrendt and

Ewa Przybytkowski

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Received on 22nd Sept 2006,  Published on line on 1st Oct 2006

1.      Abstract

2.      Introduction

3.      Nanoparticles

3.1.     Nanoparticles containing metals

3.2.     Fluorescent nanoparticles and nanoparticles containing drugs

4.      Cell death induced by nanoparticles

4.1.     Nanoparticle properties and interactions with cells

4.2.     Types of cell death and roles of individual organelles

5.      Mechanisms involved in nanoparticle-induced cell death

5.1.     ROS generation and nanoparticle-induced cell death

5.2.     Metals and cell death

6.      Nanoparticles: prospects and perils

7.      References

8.      Acknowledgments

9.      Contact details

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


1. Abstract

Nanoparticle technology has been put to a staggering variety of uses. The ever-accelerating technology, however, is generating an important cause for concern, namely that some nanoparticles, such as those already used in the manufacture of electronic equipment, luminescent paints etc., could become environmental hazards. Only relatively recently, however, nanoparticles have begun to catch the interest of life scientists. They are expected to have an impact in basic research and in the development of new technologies for medical diagnosis and drug delivery. To date, nanoparticles such as luminescent quantum dots, iron nanoparticles and block copolymer micelles have been studied as nano-containers for controlled and/or sustained drug delivery or as imaging tools for cells and whole organisms. Our objective has been to determine the impact of nanoparticles on cell function, with a focus on those particles which contain metals, fluorescent labels and selected drugs. A brief overview of the currently available data on the potential hazards and usefulness of selected classes of nanoparticles will be provided, with some comments on possible strategies for optimizing the latter. Induction of cell death by nanoparticles will be discussed in the context of physico-chemical properties of selected nanoparticles, cell status and the cellular environment.

 

2. Introduction

As the exploitation of nanoparticles accelerates we are beginning to understand some of their possible hazards as well as their enormous potential for economic growth, improved quality of life, and medical diagnosis. However, nanoparticle research driven by rational applications must also address the management and elimination of hazardous particles in order to protect our health and our environment. A word of caution must be noted particularly because of the seductive quality of some intellectually very attractive nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with different morphologies made of non-biodegradable materials provided invaluable information on their self-assembly and physicochemical properties, but were rarely tested in vivo. Unfortunately these nanoparticles can constitute threats to living cells, animals or humans. Working as multidisciplinary teams [1] we will be better poised to select appropriate materials, modify nanoparticle surfaces, identify optimal routes of administration, and understand the pharmacodynamics which will allow a safe use of nanoparticles [2]. Currently, metal-containing nanoparticles, including quantum dots, are still largely an attractive chemical, pharmacological and medical toolbox but not a clinical solution for diagnosis or therapy.

Recent reviews have provided instructive examples of nanotechnology application in basic neurosciences and its use in addressing interesting biological questions [1-13].

Figure 1. Summary of different classes of nanoparticles and their characteristics

 

 

 

 

3. Nanoparticles

 

3.1 Nanoparticles containing metals

 

Nanoparticles made of metals e.g. quantum dots, QDs or metallic particles linked with polymers endows them with unique optical properties. This section reviews some of their specific photo-physical and optical characteristics which are exploited for long-term and multicolor imaging