Size Dependent Uptake and Hemolytic Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Erythrocytes and Biomedical Potential of ZnO-Ferulic acid Conjugates

Despite zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) being increasingly used as carriers in biomedical fields due to their multifaceted properties and therapeutic importance, better understanding of the mechanisms and cellular consequences resulting from their interaction with cells and cellular components has been warranted. In the present study, we investigate the size-dependent interaction of ZnONPs on RBCs, and its impact on cell viability, DNA damage, ROS generation and morphological changes, employing cellular and analytical methods. Size, charge, stability and solubility were confirmed by DLS, zeta potential, ICP-AES and TEM analysis. Further ICP-AES, TEM, spectroscopic observations and cell based assays showed that ZnONPs exhibited a size dependent impact on RBCs and haemoglobin (Hb), particularly size <50 nm. Conversely, ferulic acid (FA) conjugates and serum albumin significantly reduced the adverse effects exhibited by ZnONPs. The extent of DNA damage and ROS generation is comparatively low in ZnONPs-FA than in ZnONPs alone treated cells. Thus our study documents a novel conceptualization delineating the influence of size on the material properties and therapeutic potential of nanoparticle.