Journal of Nano Research Vol. 30

Abstract: The effect of manufactured nanoparticles on the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes was examined. THP-1 cells differentiated into macrophage cells were exposed to TiO₂ and NiO medium dispersions. After 2, 6, 12, or 24 hours exposure, the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and HO-1 genes was determined by real-time PCR. TiO₂ nanoparticles did not affect cytokine production. In addition, TiO₂ nanoparticles did not dissolve in the dispersion. On the other hand, NiO nanoparticles enhanced the expression of all the genes tested. NiO dispersions were composed of 58.3 μg/mL of NiO nanoparticles and 45.8 μg/mL of Ni²⁺. The release of metal ions from the nanoparticles is associated with their cytotoxicity. Therefore, the effect of an NiCl₂ solution containing 45.8 μg/mL of Ni²⁺ on the expression of cytokine genes was also examined. The effects of NiCl₂ were similar to those of the NiO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the effect of ZnO, SiO₂-coated ZnO, Sb₂O₃, and Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles on the expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α genes was examined. Soluble nanoparticles, such as ZnO, SiO₂-coated ZnO, and Cr₂O₃ enhanced the gene expression of cytokines. Sb₂O₃ nanoparticles showed poor solubility and did not affect the expression of cytokine genes. In conclusion, these results suggest that nanoparticle solubility plays an important role in regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Abstract: The objective was to manufacture a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) for Coenzyme Q10, and to investigate its prolonged release and cytocompatibility of CoQ10-NLC incubated with HaCaT cells. CoQ10-NLC was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenization technique. The characterization of the CoQ10-NLC was determined by size analysis, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential assay, in vitro release and cytocompatibility. To analyze the cytocompatibility of CoQ10-NLC, cell viability was investigated by MTT measurement. Morphology of cells was evaluated by HE staining. Cells were exposed to CoQ10-NLC and nuclear morphology were determined using Hoechst 33342 staining. Time-lapse imaging was used to illustrate the dynamics of cell movements. Release investigation exhibited a prolonged release of CoQ10-NLC. MTT measurement, HE and Hoechst 33342 staining corroborated that CoQ10-NLC possessed good cytocompatibility on HaCaT cells. Observation with time-lapse images further confirmed that CoQ10-NLC showed good cytocompatibility. The results demonstrated that CoQ10-NLC with prolonged release had good cytocompatibility.