The effect of Ag NPs co-exposure with UVC irradiation on TK6 cells viability

Introduction: Because of advancement in nanotechnology, the use of Ag Nanoparticles (NPs) was increased in a wide range of area. Studies that were done in recent years demonstrated that Ag NPs can induce cytotoxicity in cells. One of the parts of UV radiation of sun is UVC (200 – 280 nm) that has antimicrobial effect. Since the effect of simultaneous use of NPs and UVC are still not well determined, so in the present study, we investigate the effect of Ag NPs and UVC irradiation on TK6 cell viability. Materials and Methods: To do this study, the human lymphoblastoid TK6 cell line was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC® CRL-8015TM). Ag NPs were obtained from the US Research Nanomaterials Inc. (Stock#: US1038). According to the manufacturer, the Ag NPs were ~ 20 nm (TEM image). The effect of co-exposure of Ag NPs and UVC was investigated by a MTT assay. TK6 cells were cultured in 96 well culture plate (2.5×104 cell/ well). The cells were treated with Ag NPs (0, 5, 10 and 15 μg/ml in each well) and UVC irradiation (1mW/ cm2). Following exposure, cells were incubated with MTT solution (5 mg/ml, SIGMA ALDRICH, M2128; USA). After 4hrs, MTT solution was then discarded, and 100 µl of DMSO was added to each well. Cell viability was calculated as a percentage of the control groups. Results: The MTT assay results show that with increasing in Ag NPs concentration the viability of cells was reduced. Also when cells were co-exposed with Ag NPs and UVC a significant reduction on cell viability was observed in all NPs concentration. Conclusion: Results of this study showed a synergistic decrease in cell viability post Ag NPs and UVC irradiation of cells in comparison with control groups. In summary, co-exposing human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells to UVC after treatment with different Ag NPs concentration, can induce dose dependent cellular toxicity.