Neurotoxic effects of Cu2O nanoparticles: An in vitro study
Toxicology Research, cilt.15, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 15 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1093/toxres/tfag058
- Dergi Adı: Toxicology Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cu2O NPs, Genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, SH-SY5Y
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The rapid expansion of nanotechnology has led to the widespread use of nanomaterials, especially metal-based nanoparticles (NPs), across various industrial and biomedical fields. Due to their superior properties, copper-based nanoparticles are one of the most used metal-based NPs. However, there are very limited data on the toxicological profile of cuprous oxide NPs (Cu2O NPs). This study aimed to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of Cu2O NPs in SH-SY5Y and Neuro-2A cells by characterizing the NPs and assessing cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, apoptosis/necrosis, and oxidative stress. TEM and SEM NPs characterization confirming the nanoscale size of NPs. ICP-MS analysis revealed significant, dose-dependent, and cell-dependent cellular uptake, with SH-SY5Y cells showing higher uptake levels. Cu2O NPs caused a significant decrease in the cell’s viability. The calculated IC50 values were 20.4 μg/mL and 23.9 μg/mL in SH-SY5Y by NRU and MTT assays, respectively, while it was 34.7 μg/mL and 8.3 μg/mL in Neuro-2A. Comet assay results demonstrated DNA damage in SH-SY5Y, but not in Neuro-2A. An increase in the apoptotic (1.5-fold to 3.3-fold) and necrotic cells was observed in both cell lines, with pronounced necrotic effect in Neuro-2A (6.9-fold at 5 μg/mL). Cu2O NPs increased MDA, GSH, and SOD levels and decreased CAT activity. Indicating oxidative stress in the cells, particularly in SH-SY5Y. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Cu2O NPs exert significant effects in vitro, primarily through oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms. Results highlight the importance of further mechanistic and in vivo studies to better understand the safety – toxicity profile of Cu2O NPs.