Toxicological investigation and gene-related molecular interactions of polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles (PTFE NPs) on human breast cells.

BACKGROUND

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is utilized as a coating material prized for its hydrophobic, chemically stable, and heat-resistant properties with its carbon-fluorine chemical bonds. It is extremely difficult to recycle due to cross-linked covalent bonds. Despite its widespread use in the food industry, coating materials and medical fields, there is no study about toxicological response of PTFE NPs on human health. One of the main concerns with the commercial use of products based on nanotechnology is the effect that manufactured nanomaterials have on the environment and human health.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We aimed to reveal the cellular response of PTFE NPs on breast cell lines in several in vitro assays by considering its potential exposure routes. According to results, the significant cytotoxic effect was observed in both cancer and non-cancer cells and DCF fluorescence significantly decreased at highest dose in MCF-10 A, which is indicating that ROS generation decreases compared to the control group. On the contrary, ROS formation increased dose-dependently in the MCF-7 cell line. In cell migration, the closure difference percentage between control and PTFE NPs groups was calculated as 16%. While Bax, P53, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, and Cyt-c gene expression levels were increased significantly, Bcl2 expression levels decreased at applied groups. Significant differences were detected between groups in immunofluorescence staining with γH2AX, EGFR and mTOR antibodies on MCF-10 A and MCF-7 cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings provide strong evidence that PTFE NPs have serious toxic effects on breast cells with concerns about their safety use.