Evidence of size dependent effect of silica micro and nanoparticles on basal and specialized monocytes functions

DE MARZI, MAURICIO C.; SARACENO, M; MITAROTONDA R; TODONE, MARCOS; FERNANDEZ, MARISA M.; MALCHIODI EMILIO L; DESIMONE, MARTÌN

Therapeutic Delivery

Future Science

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2017 vol. 8 p. 1035 - 1049

2041-5990

Aim: analyze the effect of silica particles on monocytes/macrophages functions. Materials & Methods: Silica micro- and nanoparticles were obtained by the Stöber method. Their effect on monocytes/macrophages proliferation, activation, membrane integrity and metabolic activity were determined. Results: Silica particles inhibit cell proliferation while 10 nm NPs did not affect it. Similarly, silica particles induced strong cell activation. However, 10 nm NPs do not alter IL-12 or nitrite levels. Furthermore, bigger NPs and microparticles increase cell membrane damage and reduce the number of living cells but smallest NPs (10 and 240 nm) did not. Conclusion: Cell activation properties of silica particles could be useful tools for immune stimulation therapy, while 10 nm NPs would be suitable for molecules transportation.