Biocompatibility and Cytotoxicity of Nickel Nanoparticles: Implications for Biomedical Applications
Nickel nanoparticles have both potential therapeutic benefits and risks, necessitating careful evaluation of their safety in biomedical applications.
Where it sits
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This article reviews the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) in various biomedical applications. It emphasizes the influence of factors such as particle size, surface chemistry, and exposure duration on toxicity outcomes. The review highlights both adverse effects and potential therapeutic properties of NiNPs.
Abstract
Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have attracted increasing attention in biomedical research because of their distinctive physicochemical properties, including high surface area, magnetic behavior, catalytic activity, and antimicrobial potential. These characteristics have created opportunities for applications in antimicrobial coatings, wound management, drug delivery, biosensing, cancer therapy, and other nanomedicine platforms. However, the same properties that enhance their biological activity may also produce adverse interactions with mammalian cells. This article reviews current evidence concerning the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of nickel nanoparticles, with particular emphasis on cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, DNA damage, inflammation, and nickel-ion release. A literature-based methodology was used to identify and synthesize peer- reviewed studies addressing metallic nickel nanoparticles and nickel oxide nanoparticles in cellular, animal, and biomedical contexts. The reviewed evidence indicates that NiNP toxicity is strongly influenced by particle size, surface chemistry, oxidation state, concentration, exposure duration, aggregation, synthesis method, and biological environment. Several in vitro studies have reported concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability accompanied by ROS generation, glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial impairment, caspase activation, and DNA damage. In vivo studies have also demonstrated organ-specific effects following systemic or respiratory exposure. At the same time, recent investigations indicate that appropriately synthesized and surface-controlled NiNPs may possess useful antimicrobial and wound-healing properties within defined exposure conditions. Therefore, biomedical application of NiNPs requires a balance between therapeutic activity and host-cell safety. Future development should prioritize controlled synthesis, surface functionalization, rigorous characterization, standardized toxicity testing, dose optimization, and long-term in vivo assessment.
Background
This paper addresses the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs), which have gained attention for their potential applications in various biomedical fields. Prior research has indicated that while NiNPs possess beneficial properties, they may also pose risks to mammalian cells. Understanding the balance between their therapeutic potential and safety is crucial for their application in medicine.
Methods
The study utilized a literature-based methodology to review peer-reviewed studies on the effects of metallic nickel nanoparticles and nickel oxide nanoparticles. The review encompasses cellular, animal, and biomedical contexts, focusing on factors that influence NiNP toxicity. Specific details regarding the number of studies reviewed or the criteria for selection are not provided.
Results
The review indicates that NiNP toxicity is influenced by multiple factors including particle size, surface chemistry, and concentration. In vitro studies reported concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability, but specific numeric findings are not detailed in the abstract. In vivo studies demonstrated organ-specific effects following exposure.
Interpretation
The findings align with existing literature that suggests NiNPs can exhibit both beneficial and harmful effects depending on their characteristics and exposure conditions. While some effects are statistically significant, the clinical relevance of these findings remains uncertain without specific effect sizes or context. The review highlights the need for careful consideration of synthesis and testing methods to ensure safety in biomedical applications.
Key findings
- Concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability accompanied by ROS generation, glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial impairment, caspase activation, and DNA damage.
- Organ-specific effects following systemic or respiratory exposure were observed in vivo.
- Toxicity is strongly influenced by particle size, surface chemistry, oxidation state, concentration, exposure duration, aggregation, synthesis method, and biological environment.
Limitations
- Not all relevant studies may be included in the review.
- Lack of specific numeric findings limits the ability to assess the magnitude of effects.
- Focus on literature synthesis rather than original research may introduce bias.