In Vitro Evaluation of the Toxicity of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles in Kidney Cell.

OBJECTIVES: The remarkable properties of hard magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe(2)O(4)-NPs) and their physicochemical stability lead to various applications in different industrial and medical fields. Although CoFe(2)O(4)-NPs have been reported to cause toxic effects, there is a serious lack of information concerning their effects on the kidneys. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the toxic effects of CoFe(2)O(4)-NPs on NRK-52E kidney cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The particle characterisation and cellular uptake were determined using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and neutral red uptake assays, the genotoxicity by comet assay, and the apoptotic potentials by Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection assay with propidium iodide. RESULTS: After 24 h exposure to CoFe(2)O(4)-NPs (39±17 nm), it was observed they did not affect the cell viability at concentration ranging from 100 to 1000 µg/mL, but significantly induced DNA damage at concentration ≤100 µg/mL. No apoptotic or necrotic effect was observed in the exposed cells. CONCLUSION: According to the results obtained, CoFe(2)O(4)-NPs are promising for safe use in various applications. However, further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action.