Cells and Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials are of great interest because of their peculiar properties, in particular for the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in biology and medicine, which is expected to give a great improvement both in diagnostics and therapy processes. However, the rapid growth of biomedical application of NPs imposes urgent request for better understanding of their interaction mechanisms with cells.

Marmorato et al., Toxicology Letters 207, 128 (2011).

The effect of the concentration of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) on their intracellular location and distribution has been explored by synchrotron radiation X-ray and fluorescence microscopy (SR-XRF) monitoring the evolution of NPs elemental composition as well. In cells exposed to low concentrations of CoFe2O4 NPs, the NPs preferentially segregate in the perinuclear region preserving their initial chemical content. At concentrations exceeding 500 uM the XRF spectra indicate the presence of Co and Fe also in the nuclear region, accompanied by sensible changes in the cellular morphology. The increase of the Co/Fe ratio measured in the nuclear compartment indicates that above certain concentrations

the CoFe2O4 NPs intracellular distribution could be accompanied by biodegradation resulting in Co accumulation in the nucleus. Retrieve article Cellular distribution and degradation of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles in Balb/3T3 Fibroblasts; P. Marmorato, G. Ceccone, A. Gianoncelli, L. Pascolo, J. Ponti, F. Rossi, M. Salomé, B. Kaulich, and M. Kiskinova; Toxicology Letters 207 (2011) 128– 136. 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.08.026