Cellular Toxicity of Various Zinc Particles

Mikhaela Lichvar*, Nicole Olgun, Anna Morris, Raef Lambertson and Stephen Leonard, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506 and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown,WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Biology (Health Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Biochemistry 

Zinc and Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are found in many everyday household items as well as occupational environments. For instance, sunscreen contains the zinc oxide nanoparticle to help reflect light. Exposures to these particles can happen in occupational and consumer environments. Little is known how these particles may affect cells. Our investigation examines different shapes, sizes, and chemical composition of zinc. These include zinc nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide microparticles, and zinc oxide nanowires. The cell line RAW 264.7, a mouse monocyte macrophage, was used to conduct experiments on. Zinc particles were suspended in dispersion media, which models lung fluid, to prevent the particles from aggregating. The cells were then treated with concentrations of 10 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, and 50 μg/ml of each zinc particle for 4 hours and 24 hours. An alamar blue assay was completed to test cell viability. It is predicted that the zinc oxide nanoparticles will be most detrimental to cell viability as the small particle size has the largest surface area available to react with cells and cause cell damage. The zinc oxide is expected to be more toxic as the oxide will likely produce free radicals in the cells. 

Funding: NIOSH/CDC 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course