The in vitro effect of commercially available noble metal nanocolloids on the splenocyte proliferative response and cytokine production in mice

Noble metal nanoparticles, currently among the most popular types of nanomaterials, are capable of penetrating through biological barriers once they enter a living organism. There, they can permeate into organs possessing the reticuloendothelial system, such as the spleen. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of commercial nanocolloids of noble metals (silver, gold and copper), recommended by the manufacturer as dietary supplements, on the in vitro viability, proliferative activity and production of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL- 10 and TNF-α) by mouse splenocytes. All of the analyzed colloids had some effect on the activity of mouse splenocytes. Silver colloid was characterized by high toxicity - concentrations of 1.25 ppm and above substantially depressed the viability of cells as well as their proliferative activity and ability to synthesize cytokines. The other two colloids were far less toxic than nanosilver, although their non-toxic concentrations had a significant effect on the production of cytokines by mitogen activated splenocytes. The colloid of gold decreased the level of IL-2, and the colloid of copper caused an increase in IL-2, IL6 and Il-10. At the same time, copper colloid alone induced the synthesis of IL-1β in mitogen unstimulated cells. The results indicate that colloids of noble metals are capable of affecting the activity of immunocompetent cells in important peripheral organs of the immune system.