Gold Nanoparticles Are Taken Up by Human Cells but Do Not Cause Acute Cytotoxicity

Abstract

A series of gold nanoparticles were examined for uptake and acute toxicity in human leukemia cells. The nanoparticles (average diameter=18 nm), which possessed various surface modifiers, were not toxic to cells during continuous exposure for three days. Citrate-capped nanoparticles were further examined for their cellular uptake by absorbance and transmission electron microscopy (see image). Results indicate that although some precursors of nanoparticles may be toxic, the nanoparticles themselves are not necessarily detrimental to cellular function.