Efficacy of Pt-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in cardiac cells

BACKGROUND: The application of TiO2 nanoparticles promises to revolutionize cardiac imaging and targeted medical treatment. METHODS: A novel type of platinum-modified TiO2 (Pt-TiO2) nanoparticle was synthesized and characterized. Commercially available P25 TiO2 nanoparticles were used for comparison. Cellular toxicity and its mechanisms were evaluated by analyzing nanoparticle uptake, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential in rat cardiac (H9c2) cells. RESULTS: There was greater cellular uptake of Pt-TiO2. Furthermore, Pt-TiO2 caused a greater increase in oxidative stress and greater decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. These data suggest that Pt modification of TiO2 nanoparticles rendered them more cytotoxic than their commercial counterparts at lower, more physiologically relevant concentrations. CONCLUSION: Despite the functional advantages of Pt modification, which results in increased uptake at a lower concentration, the corresponding increase in cardiotoxic effect indicates that a thoughtful, cautious approach to cardiac nanotechnologies is required.