Comparative cytotoxicity of kaolinite, halloysite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide

This study aimed at comparative examining of the interactions between conventionally used clay and carbon nanomaterials human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cells). The following platy tubular were tested: nanoparticles, i.e. multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs) graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) as well nanoclays, halloysite (HNTs) kaolinite (Kaol). Nanoparticle physicochemical properties their internalization into examined using dynamic light scattering atomic force, 3D laser scanning confocal darkfield hyperspectral microscopies. Biological aspects nanomaterial-cell interaction included assessment cellular toxicity, DNA damage, metabolic activity, physical parameters cells. Regardless a shape, demonstrated cell surface adsorption, but negligible penetration compared to nanoclays. However, found be most toxic for probed by MTS assay. They also turned out genotoxic nanoclays revealed DNA-Comet GO significantly increased fraction apoptotic was cytotoxic nanomaterial. Comparison flow cytometry data indicated that effect MWCNTs not associated with death, rather due decrease in activity and/or proliferation. Finally, no significant shape tested on cytotoxicity revealed.