Influence of polymeric precursors on the viability of human cells of yttrium aluminum borates nanoparticles doped with ytterbium ions

Abstract In the technological process of manufacturing, distribution and recycling of nanoparticles, is easy to spread them in the air. The respiratory system is the primary target for inhaled NPs. The authors discuss the influence of the complexing compounds used in the “button up” synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, on the cells activity during in vitro studies. We decided to examine the impact of yttrium aluminum borates (YAB) nanoparticles doped with ytterbium ions synthesized from various polymeric precursors on the viability of human bronchial epithelial cells using the WST-8 assay, depending on the concentrations of these nanoparticles. The optically active YAB:Yb3+ nanoparticles were obtained by the sol–gel method. In our experiments three various hydrophilic polysaccharides and two different acids were used as polymeric complexing agents. Luminescent materials may be utilised in various fields, including medical diagnostic, however YAB:Yb3+ NPs are considered to be harmful or inert. We have tested those particles to determine the way their shape influences biological response. We show the effect of NPs suspension in biological media and their behavior under physiological conditions. In our work we demonstrate the influence of polymeric agents on the viability of bronchial cells, and consequently, on the probably inflammatory response. In the present study we report, that mannitol with citric acid favours the formation of fibrous particles while others polymeric agents, as salicylic acid with sorbitol favour spherical shape formation. Cellular responses to fibrous particles are different from these to spherical ones because bio-persistent fibers induce multiplication and possibility to obtain inflammasome. Particles in fiber form trigger the inflammation process, and thus can cause cell multiplication effect. We determined whether the polymeric precursors can have impact on the activation of the surface of NPs, and if they trigger interactions of NPs with cells. It turns out, that the issue of the toxicity of nanoparticles is very complex and should be approached comprehensively. Our results confirmed that stability, agglomeration, cytotoxicity of NPs and the multiplication of cells, depend on polymeric agents used in sol–gel synthesis. It had been shown that the method of nanoparticles synthesis has a significant impact on cellular viability and multiplication of cells. Preliminary studies on human bronchial cell demonstrated that the high viability and proliferation depends on the polymer precursors used in synthesis process. To describe the structure of the obtained NPs the following methods were used: Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Atomic Forces Microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman Spectroscopy.