Submission
| Title: | Assessment of the Toxicological Impact of Gold Nanoparticles on Retinal Tissue Health in Mice |
| Presenter: | Kelsey Robinson |
| Institution: | Indiana University School of Medicine |
| Authors: | Kelsey Robinson1, Ben McCall2, Sunland L Gong1, Yong Gao1, Afshin Izadian, Amir Reza Hajrasouliha1 Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine1 Department of Engineering and Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette2 |
Abstract
| Background/Significance/Rationale: | Retinal degeneration stands as a leading cause of blindness, impacting millions in the United States. Currently, no principal treatment exists for the loss of these photoreceptors. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have garnered significant interest in retinal research due to their distinctive properties. Despite their promising applications, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of AuNPs, particularly in the context of ocular tissues. Therefore, evaluating their toxicity is essential to understanding the interactions between AuNPs and retinal cells. |
| Methods: | This study utilized Scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to characterize the AuNPs, Nanocomposites (NC), and Barium Titrate NC (BTNC) that were synthesized and injected into WT C57 mice. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was conducted to determine the AuNPs presence post-injection into the mice. Average retinal thickness was analyzed and compared pre-injection (day 0) and post-injection on days 1, 3, and 7. Electroretinography (ERG) was also conducted to determine the retinal cell’s response to light stimulus. Lastly, Isolectin B4 (IB4) immunostaining was conducted and the cross sections of blood vessels were analyzed to monitor angiogenesis. |
| Results/Findings: | Nanoparticle characterization revealed no abnormalities in size, morphology, or charge. Using OCT to examine the average retinal thickness over 7 days after IVI in WT, results reveal that at a concentration of 1000μg/m, retinal thickness decreased but returned to a nearly normal baseline by day 7. Overall, AuNPs do not cause a decrease in the average retinal thickness in all concentrations. Retinal ERG analysis revealed no significant changes in function following treatment, indicating that the procedure had no adverse effects. When compared to the total retinal area, the IB4 immunostaining showed no significant decrease in angiogenesis in all concentrations. |
| Conclusions/Discussion: | All studies show little to no toxicity of the AuNPs, demonstrating their safety and efficacy. These findings further support the use of AuNPs to restore vision in patients with retinal degeneration. |
| Translational/Human Health Impact: | AuNPs will now be sub-retinally and used for their regenerative properties with hopes of building an artificial retina, enable these patients to regain sight.. |
