The cytotoxic effect of Mn2+/Mn3+-doped Simonkolleite nano-platelets on human fibroblasts and mouse melanoma cells

Simonkolleite nano-platelets, with the chemical formula (ZHC), both undoped and Mn-doped, were synthesized by a wet-chemical synthesis method. The physicochemical properties of the materials have been investigated using several complementary experimental techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, specific surface area and porosity measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. On the one hand, the morpho-structural characteristics of the material are not significantly affected by the dopant used at low concentrations; however, the textural characteristics, specifically the specific surface area and porosity, vary with the Mn concentration. On the other hand, the cellular response of skin cells (human fibroblasts and mouse melanoma) exposed to undoped and Mn-doped ZHC was assessed, revealing a certain dependency on the Mn concentration. It was observed that the cells’ response could be correlated with both the dopant concentration and the exposure time of the cells, independent of the morpho-textural characteristics of the materials. Even at the low Mn amounts used in this study, the cells’ response depends on the Mn concentration, thus showing drastic cytotoxicity in human fibroblast cells at concentrations higher than 0 . 25 μ g /mL, irrespective of the exposure time (24 or 48 h), but showing low cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 0 . 25 μ g /mL. In contrast, the presence of Mn does not drastically affect mouse melanoma cells, even at concentrations higher than 0 . 5 μ g /mL, but this depends on the exposure time. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the effects of Simonkolleite on skin cells, and it is of great interest considering the current and potential applications of this material in skin wound treatment and animal food supplements. • Simonkolleite nano-platelets were synthesized using a wet-chemical method. • The skin cells’ response shows severe cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts. • Mouse melanoma cells are not affected by the presence of Mn. • The observed difference in toxicity may suggest a cell-type-dependent response. • The Mn 2+ /Mn 3+ ratio is the key factor controlling the toxicity of the ZHC samples.