Multi-hierarchical profiling the structure-activity relationships of engineered nanomaterials at nano-bio interfaces.

Cai, Xiaoming; Dong, Jun; Liu, Jing; Zheng, Huizhen; Kaweeteerawat, Chitrada; Wang, Fangjun; Ji, Zhaoxia; Li, Ruibin · Nat Commun · 2018

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Increasing concerns over the possible risks of nanotechnology necessitates breakthroughs in structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) at nano-bio interfaces. However, current nano-SARs are often based on univariate assessments and fail to provide tiered views on ENM-induced bio-effects. Here we report a multi-hierarchical nano-SAR assessment for a representative ENM, Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, by metabolomics and proteomics analyses. The established nano-SAR profile allows the visualizing of the contributions of seven basic properties of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> to its diverse bio-effects. For instance, although surface reactivity is responsible for Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-induced cell migration, the inflammatory effects of Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> are determined by aspect ratio (nanorods) or surface reactivity (nanoplates). These nano-SARs are examined in THP-1 cells and animal lungs, which allow us to decipher the detailed mechanisms including NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-dependent signaling. This study provides more insights for nano-SARs, and may facilitate the tailored design of ENMs to render them desired bio-effects.

Medical subject headings