HeLa Cells’ Interaction with Nanoparticles Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

Interest in nanoparticles has grown significantly as concerns of their potential toxicity to human cells and aquatic life have been raised. Harmful impacts of engineered nanoparticles are of great interest as they are used in many common products from pharmaceuticals to sunscreen. Nanoparticles are materials with a diameter less than 100 nanometers, which makes their penetration of cell membranes quick and efficient. This work explored the impacts of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles on living HeLa cells. The goal of the experiment was to determine whether cell mortality would increase with increasing nanoparticle concentration, and if a crucial nanoparticle concentration exists that results in increased cell mortality. Cells were prepared, cultured, subcultured, and analyzed observing strict aseptic technique. After one month of successful HeLa cell replication, ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticle dispersions were prepared at a range of dilutions and introduced to the HeLa cells. The nanoparticles’ effects on cells were established using hemocytometry to determine cell viability and cell mortality. The results suggest that cell mortality increased monotonically with higher concentrations of TiO₂. In contrast, lower concentrations of ZnO increased cell viability, while increased cell mortality was observed at the higher concentrations of ZnO. Given that results with ZnO were less conclusive, more research is needed to address the impact of ZnO on HeLa cells. Future studies will aid in understanding the implications of nanoparticles on living cells.