Cytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in Human Embryonic Stem Cell‐Derived Fibroblasts and an L‐929 Cell Line

Consensus about the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) has not been reached, even though extensive attention has been paid to this issue. This confusion may be due to physicochemical factors of Ag‐NPs and the cell model used for biological safety evaluation. In the present study, human embryonic stem cell‐derived fibroblasts (EBFs), which have been considered a closer representative of the in vivo response, were used as a novel cell model to assess the cytotoxicity of Ag‐NPs (~20 nm and ~100 nm) in comparison with L‐929 fibroblast cell line. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, p53 expression, and cellular uptake were examined. Results showed that Ag‐NPs presented higher cytotoxicity to EBF than to L‐929. EBF demonstrated a stronger capacity to ingest Ag‐NPs, a higher G2/M arrest, and more upgraduated p53 expression after exposed to Ag‐NPs for 48 h when compared with L‐929. It could be concluded that EBF exhibited a more sensitive response to Ag‐NPs compared with L‐929 cells, indicating that EBF may be a valid candidate for cytotoxicity screening assays of nanoparticles.