Biocompatibility Examination of Inorganic Nanotubes on A5 Salivary Gland Cells

Multiwall WS₂ nanotubes (INT-WS₂) 30-100 nm in diameter and 5-20 micron in length are currently synthesized in large amounts for industry. Due to their perfectly crystalline structure, they exhibit very high strength (16 GPa) and strain (>10%) values.

A new venue not yet explored is the exploitation of such nano-particles in the fields of biology and medicine. The first step toward applying this venue is to prove their biocompatiblity.

Objectives:

To explore the biocompatibility of INT-WS₂ on rat submandibular gland ductal epithelial salivary cell line (A5).

Methods:

For the large scale INT-WS₂ synthesis, a high temperature (800-900°C) fluidized bed reactor was used. Tungsten oxide powder and H₂S gas were used as the reaction precursors in a reducing atmosphere of hydrogen

A5 cells were cultured and subjected after one day to 3 different concentrations of INT-WS₂ (0.22 mg/mL, 3.52 mg/mL and 35.2 mg/mL) and compared to A5 cells without INT-WS₂serving as a control group.

In different experiments, curves of the cells’ growth rate were studied, and the cells were stained with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) for dilution assay.

Cells’ morphology and interaction with the INT-WS₂ were observed by a light microscope.

Results:

No significant difference in growth curves, CFSE dilution assay, and morphology were seen between the groups compared.

Conclusions:

INT-WS₂ do not affect A5 cells’ viability, growth rate and morphology.