Biocompatibility assessment of functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles in human HepaRG cells.

Magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (M-MSNs) are a promising class of nanoparticles for drug delivery. However, a deep understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of action of these nanocarriers is essential, especially in the liver. The potential toxicity on HepaRG cells of pristine, pegylated (PEG), and lipid (DMPC) M-MSNs were compared. Based on MTT assay and real-time cell impedance, none of these NPs presented an extensive toxicity on hepatic cells. However, we observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that the DMPC and pristine M-MSNs were greatly internalized. In comparison, PEG M-MSNs showed a slower cellular uptake. Whole gene expression profiling revealed the M-MSNs molecular modes of action in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The lowest dose tested (1.6 µg/cm