LAUSR

Objectives: The remarkable properties of hard magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4-NPs) and their physicochemical stability lead to various applications in different industrial and medical fields. Although CoFe2O4-NPs have been reported to cause toxic effects, there is a serious lack of information concerning their effects on the kidneys. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the toxic effects of CoFe2O4-NPs on NRK-52E kidney cells. Materials and Methods: The particle characterisation and cellular uptake were determined using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT and neutral red uptake assays, the genotoxicity by comet assay, and the apoptotic potentials by Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection assay with propidium iodide. Results: After 24 h exposure to CoFe2O4-NPs (39±17 nm), it was observed they did not affect the cell viability at concentration ranging from 100 to 1000 µg/mL, but significantly induced DNA damage at concentration ≤100 µg/mL. No apoptotic or necrotic effect was observed in the exposed cells. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, CoFe2O4-NPs are promising for safe use in various applications. However, further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action.