Cells electrical fields have a significant role in cell function.
Aim: The current study examined the effects of nanoscale electric fields generated by magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENs) on precancerous liver tissue.
Methods & results: A total of 30 nm MENs synthesized by sol-gel method were tested in vitro on HepG2 cells and in vivo on liver cell dysplasia in mice, which were exposed to 50 Hz 2 mT for 2 weeks, +/- MENs. MENs with alternating field (AF) reversed liver cells dysplastic features. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed high lethal dose (LD 50) of 1.4 mg/ml. We also report on the expression of alpha-fetoprotein and cytochrome C.
Conclusion: MEN-generated nanoscale electric fields have significant biological effects on precancerous liver cells.
Keywords: liver cell dysplasia; magnetic field; magneto-electric nanoparticles; nanoscale electric field.