Biosensors & Bioelectronics

Investigation of the Toxicity of Amine-coated, Carboxyl-coated and Polyaniline-coated FeO Magnetic Nanoparticles in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Callaway MK, Ochoa JM, Perez EE, Ulrich PE, Alocilja EC and Vetrone SA

Since the introduction of nanotechnology there has been an increase in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the development of biosensors for the detection of bacterial pathogens. Consequently, research exploring their potential toxicity has also increased as some have been shown to be harmful depending on their size, shape, and chemical composition making it imperative that we understand their possible harm to humans and the environment. In this study we investigated the potential toxicity of three differently coated FeO Magnetic NPs (MNPs), amine, carboxyl, and polyaniline, on the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode. Briefly, C. elegans were exposed to the singular coated-MNPs types at a concentration of 100 μg/mL and assessed for physiological effects on their metabolism, reproduction, longevity, and oxidative stress resistance. Exposure to singular coated-MNPs corresponded with a statistical decrease in their metabolic and acute oxidative stress resistance abilities, and revealed a trend towards lower reproduction and longevity. Taken together, these results add to the growing evidence that FeO coated-MNPs have an in vivo toxic effect on C. elegans. These findings advocate for a need to take safety precautions when discarding FeO coated-MNPs as they may pose a toxic health hazard to our environment and health.