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Evaluation of the Effects, Causes, and Risks of Gold Nanorods Promoting Cell Proliferation

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Abstract

Gold nanoparticles differently affect cells depending on physical parameters (shape, size, aspect ratio, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to analyze shape- and concentration-dependent effects on cells and use them safely because new materials can simultaneously have both potential and threats. This research investigated the gold nanorod’s (GNR) shape effect and the concentration criteria on cell viability and why GNR promotes cell proliferation. Unlike 10-nm and 60-nm gold nanospheres, GNR of 3.4 aspect ratio generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS affected cell viability depending on concentrations. GNRs between 0.75 pM and 37 pM produced trace ROS, which promoted HDFn (human dermal fibroblasts, neonatal) cell viability. GNRs of 7.5 nM or more produced more ROS, which reduced HDFn cell viability. On the other hand, GNRs around 0.745 nm promoted HeLa cell viability. GNRs of 3.75 nM or more repressed HeLa cell viability. Hydrogen peroxide of 0.01 and 0.1 µM promoted HDFn cell viability by 7% and 9.9%. This observation could speculate that GNR-generated ROS promoted cell proliferation via activated the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Therefore, picomolar GNRs could be used to enhance skin cell viability in cosmetics and wound healing. On the other hand, nanomolar GNRs could be applied to kill cancer cells.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Incheon National University Research Grant in 2018.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Korea

    Jaewook Lee & Byeong Hee Hwang

  2. Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Korea

    Byeong Hee Hwang

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  1. Jaewook Lee
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Correspondence to Byeong Hee Hwang.

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Lee, J., Hwang, B.H. Evaluation of the Effects, Causes, and Risks of Gold Nanorods Promoting Cell Proliferation. Biotechnol Bioproc E 27, 213–220 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12257-021-0161-7

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