Cytotoxicity profile of colloidal silver in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh-7)

Abstract

Objective: thus, this study evaluates the cytotoxicity of a colloidal silver formulation in the hepatocyte-derived carcinoma Huh-7 cells. Methods: to address formulation hazards, IC50 values were determined by an orthogonal approach using MTT (0.54 mg/L) and the Hoechst 33342/PI double staining (1.13 mg/L). Results: the use of the pellet and supernatant in cytotoxic assays showed that the supernatant, enriched fraction in silver ions, was mostly responsible for the cytotoxic effects of colloidal silver formulation. The IC50 of the supernatant was determined to be 0.64 mg/L, while that of the pellet remained undetermined due to low cytotoxicity. Additionally, a multiparametric approach using high-content imaging based on the Live Cell Painting assay revealed that cells exhibit nuclear reorganization, suggesting stress-inducing and repair mechanisms. These results suggest that cytotoxicity assays using high-content imaging are highly predictive of sublethal damage. Conclusion: Our proposed approach of orthogonal and multiparametric assays offers an overview of the cytotoxicity profile of colloidal silver in Huh-7 cells.