Investigation on the cytotoxic effect of cobalt oxide nanoparticles on pc12 cell line

Mina Nouri,1 Mojtaba falahati,2,*

1. Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology,Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology,Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch,Islamic Azad University of Tehran (IAUPS) ,Iran
2. Department of Nanotechnology,Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology,Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch,Islamic Azad University of Tehran (IAUPS) ,Iran

Abstract

Introduction

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (co3o4nps) are increasingly recognized for their utility in biological applications, magnetic resonance imaging, and drug delivery. however, little is known about the toxicity of these nanoparticles. therefore, before clinical use can occur, understanding the properties of different nanoparticles such as cobalt oxide nps and their effect on the body is crucial. this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of co3o4 nps in cultured pc12 cells, as a potential nervous system model.

Methods

In this experimental study, pc12 cells were treated with various concentrations of co3o4nps (1,10,20,50,100 µg/ml) for 24 hours. then, cell viability was measured by the reduction of mtt assay. furthermore, apoptosis was detected by using caspase3 activity assay. finally, the mrna expression level of anti-apoptotic gene bcl2 was assayed by real-time pcr.

Results

Mtt assay result showed that co3o4nps induced cell viability reduction in a dose-dependent manner. for the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, treating with co3o4nps augmented caspase3 activity in pc12 cells. moreover, quantitative real-time pcr data showed down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene bcl2.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that co3o4nps induced cytotoxicity in pc12 cells in a dose-dependent manner and doses <10 µg/ml are classified into harmless or with less negative effects group for clinical usage.

Keywords

Cobalt oxide, nanoparticles, cytotoxicity, pc12