Impact of Silver and Iron Nanoparticle Exposure on Cholesterol Uptake by Macrophages

Figure 1

Overview of macrophage exposure scenarios. Scenario #1 investigates the impact of NP exposure on macrophage function. Macrophages were exposed for 2 h to 20 nm AgNPs, 110 nm AgNPs, or 20 nm Fe₃O₄ NPs. Media containing NPs were then removed and cells were treated with cholesterol (20 μg/mL) for 24 h. Alterations in toxicity and macrophage function (cholesterol uptake) were assessed. Scenario #2 examined the influence of the cellular environment on macrophage function during an exposure to NPs. This scenario included (A) an environment without cholesterol present and (B) an environment with cholesterol present. Macrophages were exposed for 24 h to 20 nm AgNPs, 110 nm AgNPs, or 20 nm Fe₃O₄ NPs for 24 h in (A) serum-free media or (B) serum-free media containing cholesterol (20 μg/mL). Alterations in macrophage toxicity and function were then assessed.