Cellular Toxicity of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

TLDR

The study examined how aspect ratio and surface chemistry affect the cellular toxicity of carbon‑based nanomaterials. The authors tested multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanoparticles for toxicity in vitro on lung tumor cells. The materials were toxic, with size‑dependent effects, and cytotoxicity increased when particles were acid‑functionalized.

Abstract

The cellular toxicity of carbon-based nanomaterials was studied as a function of their aspect ratio and surface chemistry. These structures were multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanoparticles. Their toxicity was tested in vitro on lung tumor cells. Our work clearly indicated that these materials are toxic while the hazardous effect is size-dependent. Moreover, cytotoxicity is enhanced when the surface of the particles is functionalized after an acid treatment.