Independent effect of polymeric nanoparticle zeta potential/surface charge, on their cytotoxicity and affinity to cells

OBJECTIVES: Up to now, little research has been focussed on discovering how zeta potential independently affects polymeric nanoparticle (NP) cytotoxicity. METHODS: Polymeric nanoparticles of gradient zeta potential ranging from -30 mv to +40 mv were fabricated using the same poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) biopolymer. Interaction forces between nanoparticles and cells were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles to cells was investigated by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. RESULTS: Four kinds of nanoparticle with similar sizes and gradient zeta potentials, were fabricated. Those with positive surface charges were found to be more toxic than those with negative surface charges. Positively charged nanoparticles or nanoparticles with higher 'like' charges, offered higher interaction force with cells. CONCLUSION: This work proposes a novel approach for investigating interaction between NPs and cells, and discloses the importance of controlling zeta potential in developing NPs-based formulations in the future.