Keratinocyte Biocompatibility of Biogenic Iron Nanoparticles

Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) are promising candidates for medical purposes, including topical dermatological applications and skin absorption. This research investigated whether biologically synthesized FeNPs display potential toxic effects in human keratinocytes in vitro. Cell cultures were performed with the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line, which was exposed to FeNPs (0 - 214 µg/mL) for 4 and 24 h. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species production, cellular antioxidant components, and wound healing assays were analyzed. FeNPs did not alter the morphology of HaCaT cells, although low cellular cytotoxicity at the highest concentration was observed. The 214 µg/mL condition also altered cell migration as well as increased reactive oxygen species production. The obtained results have shown that biosynthetic FeNPs display low keratinocyte toxicity and could be explored as promising candidates to be used in local treatments as conjugates for drug delivery systems.