The nanoscale engineering is one of the most dynamic domains at the interface between electronics, physics, biology and medicine. As there is no regulation yet, concern about future health problems is raising. We have investigated the cytotoxicity of Citrate/Gold nanoparticles at different concentrations and times. Major effects on cells appeared as a result of the internalization of nanoparticles, such as disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, loss of spreading and growth, as well as protein synthesis, and reduction of phagocytosis of bacteria. These factors can have serious consequences and impair wound healing, immunological response, and nervous junctions.
Human phagocytes that were exposed to nanoparticles digest 40% fewer bacteria than the unexposed cells. This can compromise the immune response.
