Cytotoxicity evaluation of fungal-derived silver nanoparticles on human gingival fibroblast cell line: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been proposed as effective antimicrobial agents against endo–perio pathogens. Determination of cytotoxicity is important for effective clinical use. AIM: The aim is to determine the cytotoxicity of fungal-derived AgNPs on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cell line using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HGF cell cultures were trypsinized and adjusted to 5 × 10(3) cells/ml and 100-μl cell suspension (50,000 cells/well) and were added to 96-well plate. After 24 h, 100 μl of AgNPs (8–512-μg/ml concentrations) was added and incubated at 37°C for 24 h in 5% CO(2) atmosphere. Controls were used without AgNPs. MTT (1 mg/ml) was added and incubated for 4 h at 37°C in 5% CO(2) atmosphere. Microscopic examination was done, and absorbance was measured using a microplate reader at a wavelength of 540 nm. Percentage growth inhibition was calculated, and the concentration of AgNPs needed to inhibit cell growth by 50% (CTC(50)) was generated. RESULTS: CTC(50) was found at a concentration of 260 μg/ml. AgNPs exerted less cytotoxicity against HGF cell line and increased with increase in the concentration of AgNPs. CONCLUSION: Fungal-derived AgNPs are safe to healthy cells at a concentration <260 μg/ml. Therefore, they can be effectively used for the treatment of endo–perio lesions.