The effect of high concentration and exposure duration of nanoceria on human lens epithelial cells

Nanotechnology has the potential for treating diseases and conditions of ageing. The eye is particularly vulnerable, because chronic pathologies can lead to sight loss. Human lens epithelial cells were exposed to 10, 20, and 100 μg/mL of negatively charged nanoceria for 48 and 72 hours; DNA damage and cell growth were assessed. Concentrations up to 100 μg/mL for 48 hours did not cause measurable genotoxic effects. For exposures of 72 hours, concentrations above 10 μg/mL showed small but statistically significant differences in DNA damage from negative controls. All treated samples were less damaged than positive controls. Cell growth, monitored for up to 7 days, did not show deviations in cell morphology or growth between treated and untreated samples. Whereas time of exposure may have greater effect than dosage, indicating potential for genotoxicity at higher exposures, human lens epithelial cells can sustain normal growth when exposed to concentrations of nanoceria of up to 100 μg/mL. From the Clinical Editor: Human lens epithelial cells were exposed to various concentrations of negatively charged nanoceria for 48 and 72 hours to assess DNA damage and cell growth. The authors demonstrate that epithelial cells can sustain normal growth when exposed to concentrations of up to 100 μg/mL, with time of exposure having a greater effect than dosage, indicating potential genotoxicity at higher exposures.