The effect of airborne Palladium nanoparticles on human lung cells, endothelium and blood – A combinatory approach using three in vitro models

• Published in: Toxicology in vitro Vol. 89; p. 105586
• Main Authors: Fromell, Karin, Johansson, Ulrika, Abadgar, Sophia, Bourzeix, Pauline, Lundholm, Lovisa, Elihn, Karine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Air-liquid interface; Biomedical Sciences; Biomedicinsk vetenskap; Endothelial cells; Endothelium; Humans; In vitro exposure systems; Lung - metabolism; Lung epithelial cells; Metal Nanoparticles - toxicity; Nanoparticles - toxicity; Palladium - toxicity; Palladium nanoparticles; Whole blood model; Whole blood model; Lung epithelial cells; Air-liquid interface; In vitro exposure systems; Palladium nanoparticles; Endothelial cells
• ISSN: 0887-2333; 1879-3177; 1879-3177
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105586

A better understanding of the mechanisms behind adverse health effects caused by airborne fine particles and nanoparticles (NP) is essential to improve risk assessment and identification the most critical particle exposures. While the use of automobile catalytic converters is decreasing the exhausts of harmful gases, concentrations of fine airborne particles and nanoparticles (NPs) from catalytic metals such as Palladium (Pd) are reaching their upper safe level. Here we used a combinatory approach with three in vitro model systems to study the toxicity of Pd particles, to infer their potential effects on human health upon inhalation. The three model systems are 1) a lung system with human lung cells (ALI), 2) an endothelial cell system and 3) a human whole blood loop system. All three model systems were exposed to the exact same type of Pd NPs. The ALI lung cell exposure system showed a clear reduction in cell growth from 24 h onwards and the effect persisted over a longer period of time. In the endothelial cell model, Pd NPs induced apoptosis, but not to the same extent as the most aggressive types of NPs such as TiO2. Similarly, Pd triggered clear coagulation and contact system activation but not as forcefully as the highly thrombogenic TiO2 NPs. In summary, we show that our 3-step in vitro model of the human lung and surrounding vessels can be a useful tool for studying pathological events triggered by airborne fine particles and NPs. [Display omitted] •We have combined three in vitro systems into a unique model of the human lung and the surrounding blood and blood vessels.•The three systems are: an ALI system with human lung cells, a vascular endothelial cell model and a whole blood model.•The same Pd NPs werw generated, characterized and evaluated in all three parts of the model with a consistent result.•It was found that Pd NPs triggers a response, but appears to be less activating compared to very harmful NPs such as TiO2.