Nanoparticle Properties Modulate Their Effect on the Human Blood Functions

Theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) can reach their target tissue only by passing through blood. However, the influence of NPs on blood is still not well understood. Understanding the effects of NPs on the functioning of blood is critical for successful translation of this novel drug delivery paradigm. In this article, we examined the potential effect of NPs on blood components using four physically and chemically diverse NPs such as carbon nanotube (CNT), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), and copper oxide (CuO) NPs. The interaction of different NPs on blood was studied under similar conditions and the effect was assessed by determining the total protein, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, and electrolytes such as Na+, K+, and Cl- concentrations in blood. The concentration of total protein, AST, Na+, and Cl- did not show any significant change in blood when exposed to the NPs. On the other hand, the concentration of ALT and ALP declined for Ag and CuO NPs. Cholesterol levels declined significantly when exposed to CNT, Mg, and CuO NPs. K+ in blood increased over 24 h for Mg NPs but remained consistent for other NPs. Such an increase in K+ induced by Mg NPs can be attributed to the direct interaction of the NPs with the RBCs and other components in blood, resulting in hemolysis. Overall, the results suggest that physical and chemical natures of NPs are critical factors influencing the interaction between NPs and blood components.