In vivo toxicity evaluation of gold-dendrimer composite nanodevices with different surface charges

Nanotoxicology. 2013 Jun;7(4):441-51. doi: 10.3109/17435390.2012.668570. Epub 2012 Mar 20.

Abstract

Composite nanodevices (CNDs) are multifunctional nanomaterials with potential uses in cancer imaging and therapy. Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-based composite nanodevices are important members of this group and consist of an organic dendrimer component and an incorporated inorganic component, in this case, gold. This study addresses the short- (14 days) and long-term (78 days) in vivo toxicity of generation-5 (G5; 5 nm) PAMAM dendrimer-based gold-CNDs (Au-CNDs) with varying surface charges (positive, negative and neutral) in C57BL/6J male mice. Detailed toxicological analyses of (1) body weight changes, (2) serum chemistry and (3) histopathological examination of 22 organs showed no evidence of organ injury or organ function compromise. Zeta potential of Au-CNDs showed significant change from their parent dendrimers upon gold incorporation, making the normally lethal positive surface dendrimer biologically safe. Also homeostatic mechanisms in vivo may compensate/repair toxic effects, something not seen with in vitro assays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Bone Marrow / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electrochemistry
  • Gold*
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Male
  • Metal Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Pancreas / drug effects
  • Spleen / drug effects

Substances

  • Gold