Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark are now warning people against a combination of nanoparticles and contaminants may form a concoction that is harmful to our cells. In the study, the research team saw that 72 pct. of cells dies after they were exposed to a cocktail of nano-silver and cadmium ions.
More products than ever before contain nanoparticles, and they are becoming increasingly widespread in our lives and environment- one of the reasons why is because of their unique properties- silver nanoparticles can be used as antibacterials and are often found in refrigerators, sports clothing, cosmetics, tooth brushes etc.
Cells react differently when they are exposed to nanosilver particles alone and when they are exposed to a cocktail of nanosilver and cadmium ions. Cadmium ions occur naturally and can be found almost everywhere around us.
The study was conducted on cancerous human liver cells and reserachers saw that when the cells were exposed to only nanosilver particles- only 25 pct. of these cells died, and when they were exposed to a combination of nanosilver and cadmium ions, a staggering 72 pct. of cells died. When exposed to only cadmium ions- 12 pct. of cells died- clearly pointing out that it is the combination that is clearly more harmful.
The study shows that we should be rather looking at the the effects of nanoparticles in combination with other particles on our health than investigating them in their isolated state. The cocktail effects of these nanoparticles should be taken into account, according to Professor Frank Kjeldsen, from SDU’s Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
“Products with nano particles are being developed and manufactured every day, but in most countries there are no regulations, so there is no way of knowing what and how many nanoparticles are being released into the environment. In my opinion, this should be stopped”, he added.
Some other studies, led by Kjeldsen have also previously shown that human cells do interact with metal nanoparticles. One of these studies demonstrated that nanosilver is responsible for the formation of free radicals inside cells and also changes the amount and form of proteins. This is especially worrisome- since many serious diseases are marked by an overproduction of free radicals in cells- like cancer, and neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.