Effects of Y2O3 particle size on cytotoxicity and cell morphology

Biological safety of Y2O3 nanoparticles was investigated in vitro using mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1). The cell numbers after culture showed that smaller particles (0.03 mu m) and higher concentration of Y2O3 particles had the highest cytotoxicity for MC3T3-E1 cells in comparison to larger particles (1 and 0.4 mu m) and lower concentration, respectively. The development of actin filament and cell proliferation were found to be inhibited in the medium containing Y2O3 nanoparticles. Compared to the control, cells in the medium containing Y2O3 nanoparticles were smaller and had few actin filaments, indicating atrophy of the cells. Apoptosis was also observed in the medium containing 0.03 mu m sized Y2O3 particles. (C)2010 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.