Cytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes to lung, kidney and liver cells

International audienceThe development of nanotechnologies may lead to considerable release of nanomaterials in the environment, potentially toxic for human health. Nanotoxicology is thus attracting attention of public and governments worldwide. Our research is focused on cellular response to nanomaterials, exemplified by three complementary models which characterize the whole body: A549 cells are taken as model for lungs, directly exposed by inhalation of nanomaterials. HepG2 and NRK-52E cells are taken as models for kidneys and liver, which would be exposed after translocation of nanomaterials through biological barriers, i.e. lung and digestive epithelia. These cells are exposed to TiO2, Al2O3 and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) either purified or containing Fe impurities and either long or shortened by a physical treatment. The influence of size, specific surface and chemical composition are taken into account. Cell viability was quantified. For A549 and HepG2 cells, cytotoxicity can be classified from least to most toxic as follows: Al2O3, TiO2 < MWCNT. On NRK-52E cells, a maximum of 25% of cell death was observed, whatever the nanomaterial