Background/Objectives: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NP), a member of the lanthanide series of rare metal oxide, have beneficial property like radicals scavenging and being examined as a potent candidate for many biomedical applications. The aim of the study is to investigate certain key in vitro cytotoxicity endpoints using CeO2- NP.
Methods/Statistical analysis: The techniques applied include, characterization, MTT assay, LDH release, ATP measurement and Caspase 3/7 activity assay. The results were subjected to null hypothesis testing to determine its significance.
Findings: CeO2-NPshowed mild cytotoxicity with a loss of MTT reactivity and depletion in ATP production. CeO2-NP treatment also resulted in an increase in Caspase3/7 activity and leakage of LDH in the tested cell line suggesting that it induces apoptosis via release of reactive oxygen species or through the physical damage of the cell membrane.
Improvements/Applications: Thefindings add base line information to the biocompatibility and toxicity data sheet on CeO2-NP. The results will also be beneficial in risk assessing CeO2-NP based medical devices.