Polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles with five different sizes (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 nm) were synthesized via chemical oxidation polymerization in order to estimate size-dependent cytotoxicity. The cellular uptake of PPy nanoparticles in human lung fibroblasts (IMR90) and mouse alveolar macrophages (J774A.1) was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity of PPy-added cells were systematically investigated by viability assay, oxidative stress, and apoptosis/necrosis. The viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis/necrosis of PPy-treated cells revealed dose- and size-dependency. Because of phagocytosis, PPy treatment had more adverse effects on the J774A.1 than the IMR90. These findings provide better nanotoxicological understanding of polymer nanomaterials, and support the further development of PPy nanoparticles in bioelectronic applications.

Cytotoxicity and immune response of polypyrrole nanomaterials with different diameters in mammalian cells

244th National Meeting (2012)

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