Investigation of the Genotoxicity of Aluminum Oxide, β-Tricalcium Phosphate, and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxicity of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (Ca3(PO4)2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) that were 4.175, 9.058, and 19.8 nm sized, respectively, on human peripheral blood lymphocytes using micronucleus (MN) and chromosome aberration (CA) techniques. Aluminum oxide and β-TCP NPs did not show genotoxic effects on human peripheral blood cultures in vitro, even at the highest concentrations; therefore, these materials may be suitable for use as biocompatible materials. It was observed that, even at a very low dose (≥12.5 ppm), ZnO NPs had led to genotoxicity. In addition, at high concentrations (500 ppm and above), ZnO NPs caused mortality of lymphocytes. For these reasons, it was concluded that ZnO NPs are not appropriate for using as a biocompatible biomaterial.