Lanthanum Oxide: Biomedical Applications and Toxicity

General Description

Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles show promise in biomedical applications, enhancing collagen biomatrix strength and biocompatibility without significant ROS production. However, their potential environmental impact of Lanthanum oxide necessitates thorough toxicity assessments. Studies indicate minimal acute toxicity to Chlorella sp., highlighting low risk under acute exposure. In contrast, Daphnia magna displays dose-dependent sensitivity, emphasizing the need for tailored toxicity evaluations across aquatic species. Understanding these varied effects is crucial for developing effective risk management strategies and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems from nanoparticle pollutants. Comprehensive assessments of Lanthanum oxide should extend beyond acute exposures to address long-term ecological implications.

Figure 1. Lanthanum oxide

Biomedical Applications

Lanthanum oxide has emerged as a promising component in biomedical applications, particularly in enhancing biomaterial integration through angiogenic stimulation.

Enhanced Mechanical and Biocompatible Properties

In recent studies, Lanthanum oxide nanoparticle-reinforced collagen biomatrix has demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The incorporation of Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles into collagen biomolecules not only preserved the structural integrity of collagen but also enhanced its resistance to proteolytic degradation. Moreover, the biomatrix exhibited favorable swelling properties, crucial for its application in tissue engineering. Importantly, Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles displayed superior cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility, with minimal generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These attributes make Lanthanum oxide nanoparticle-reinforced collagen biomatrix a robust candidate for biomedical scaffolds.

Promotion of Endothelial Cell Activation and Angiogenesis

The integration of Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles within collagen biomatrix has been shown to induce endothelial cell activation, thereby promoting angiogenesis. This effect was evidenced by enhanced tube formation and aortic arch assays, indicating a pro-angiogenic environment crucial for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the biomatrix facilitated the infiltration and proliferation of endothelial cells, addressing a critical aspect in tissue engineering—the integration of biomaterials into host tissues. This capability highlights Lanthanum oxide's potential in developing advanced wound healing materials that foster cell migration and tissue vascularization, surpassing traditional biomaterials in promoting effective tissue regeneration. This structured integration of Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles into collagen biomatrix not only enhances mechanical properties and biocompatibility but also promotes angiogenic responses essential for biomaterial integration in biomedical applications. ¹

Toxicity

Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles have garnered attention due to their potential environmental impact, particularly on aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates their toxicity on two crucial aquatic organisms: Chlorella sp., a freshwater microalgae, and Daphnia magna, a representative crustacean species. Understanding the effects of La2O3 NP is vital for assessing environmental risks associated with their increasing use.

Toxicological Effects on Chlorella sp.

The study reveals minimal acute toxicity of Lanthanum oxide NP towards Chlorella sp. The nanoparticles were carefully characterized for morphology, size, and charge, highlighting their stability and interaction potential in aqueous environments. Remarkably, even at a high concentration of 1000 mg L(-1) over 72 hours, Lanthanum oxide NP did not inhibit the growth of Chlorella sp. This finding suggests a relatively low risk to microalgae under acute exposure scenarios. Microscopy analysis further confirmed the attachment of Lanthanum oxide NP to algal surfaces, elucidating the potential mechanisms of interaction without detrimental effects on growth.

Impact on Daphnia magna

Contrarily, Daphnia magna exhibited more pronounced sensitivity to Lanthanum oxide NP. At concentrations of 250 mg L(-1) or lower, no significant toxicity was observed within the tested exposure period. However, higher concentrations led to notable toxic effects, with an EC50 of 500 mg L(-1) and an LD50 of 1000 mg L(-1). These results underscore the dose-dependent nature of Lanthanum oxide NP toxicity in crustaceans, necessitating cautious consideration in environmental risk assessments. The study's microscopy analysis also confirmed the presence of Lanthanum oxide NP adhering to Daphnia magna, suggesting potential pathways for nanoparticle uptake and toxicity mechanisms.

In conclusion, the toxicity of Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles varies significantly between different aquatic organisms. While Chlorella sp. demonstrated resilience even at elevated concentrations, Daphnia magna exhibited dose-dependent sensitivity to Lanthanum oxide NP exposure. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive toxicity assessments tailored to diverse ecological niches to accurately gauge environmental risks. Future studies should further explore chronic effects and ecological implications beyond acute exposures to fully assess the long-term impact of Lanthanum oxide NP in aquatic ecosystems. Such insights are crucial for developing effective risk management strategies and safeguarding aquatic biodiversity against emerging nanoparticle pollutants. ²

Reference

1. Vijayan V, Lakra R, Korrapati PS, Kiran MS. Lanthanum oxide nanoparticle-collagen bio matrix induced endothelial cell activation for sustained angiogenic response for biomaterial integration. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2022 Aug; 216: 112589.

2. Balusamy B, Ta?tan BE, Ergen SF, Uyar T, Tekinay T. Toxicity of lanthanum oxide (La2O3) nanoparticles in aquatic environments. Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2015 Jul; 17(7): 1265-1270.

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