Effects of functionalized silver nanoparticles on aggregation of human blood platelets

Abstract

Purpose

We studied the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on human blood platelet function. We hypothesized that AgNPs, a known antimicrobial agent, can be used as blood-compatible, “ideal material’’ in medical devices or as a drug delivery system. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate if functionalized AgNPs affect platelet function and platelets as well as endothelial cell viability in vitro.

Methods

AgNPs, functionalized with reduced glutathione (GSH), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lipoic acid (LA) were synthesized. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation was used to measure the effect of AgNPs on platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation was measured by changes in frequency and dissipation, and the presence of platelets on the sensor surface was confirmed and imaged by phase contrast microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to detect surface abundance of platelet receptors. Lactate dehydrogenase test was used to assess the potential cytotoxicity of AgNPs on human blood platelets, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Commercially available ELISA tests were used to measure the levels of thromboxane B₂ and metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2) released by platelets as markers of platelet activation.

Results

2 nm AgNPs-GSH, 3.7 nm AgNPs-PEG both at 50 and 100 µg/mL, and 2.5 nm AgNPs-LA at 100 µg/mL reduced platelet aggregation, inhibited collagen-mediated increase in total P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa, TXB2 formation, MMP-1, and MMP-2 release. The tested AgNPs concentrations were not cytotoxic as they did not affect, platelet, endothelial cell, or fibroblast viability.

Conclusion

All tested functionalized AgNPs inhibited platelet aggregation at nontoxic concentrations. Therefore, functionalized AgNPs can be used as an antiplatelet agent or in design and manufacturing of blood-facing medical devices, such as vascular grafts, stents, heart valves, and catheters.

Keywords:

• functionalized silver nanoparticles
• blood platelets
• QCM-D
• platelets receptors
• TXB₂
• MMP-1 and MMP-2

Introduction

Among metal nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are emerging as an attractive tool for many nanomedical applications.¹ They are endowed with anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.² They can also be used to design an “ideal material’’ for bone prostheses, reconstructive orthopedic surgery, cardiac devices, extracorporeal circulation, catheters, and surgical appliances.^1,2 AgNPs have also potential to form a drug delivery platform.³ For any blood-facing applications of AgNPs, blood and platelet biocompatibility are an essential characteristic.

Therefore, a number of research groups studied the effects of AgNPs on platelet reactivity. However, these studies yielded controversial results and both platelet activator and inhibitory properties of AgNPs have been claimed.^4–10

Others and we have indicated that the biocompatibility of nanoparticles with components of the circulation system depends on their functionalization and physicochemical properties.^4,10–12

Conjugating nanoparticles and other nanomaterials with polyethylene glycol (PEG), known as PEGylation, is used widely as it offers a number of advantages. For example, PEGylated nanomaterials when used in protein delivery systems show increased protein solubility and stability, reduced immunogenicity, decreased clearance by the reticuloendothelial system, and increased plasma half-life leading to less frequent dosing.¹³ It has been found by our team, that conjugation of gold nanoparticles with PEG protects platelets from activation.⁴ Niidome et al, 2006demonstrated that PEG modification of gold nanorods also reduced their in vitro toxicity.¹⁴ Moreover, we noticed that AgNPs coated with PEG, and lipoic acid (LA) decreased cytotoxicity against human cells compared to non-functionalized AgNPs and improved antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity.^8,13,15,16

Based on our previous observations, we have synthesized AgNPs functionalized with PEG, LA, and reduced glutathione (GSH) and evaluate their effect on platelet aggregation under flow to mimic conditions encountered in microvasculature in vivo. We also evaluated the safety potential of thus synthesized AgNPs in regards to cytotoxicity. Finally, we focused on molecular mechanisms of platelet-AgNPs interactions including determination of surface abundance of platelet receptors, thromboxane B₂ formation, and release of MMP-2, MMP-9 from collagen-stimulated platelets.

Materials and methods

Synthesis and characterization of AgNPs

Glutathione stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-GSH)

Five hundred mg (2.7 mmol) of silver nitrate was dissolved in 320 mL of water and reaction mixture was placed in water/ice bath in dark. Then, 1.96 g (6.38 mmol) of reduced GSH was added slowly in small portions. After that, a white, flocculant appeared as precipitate. Reaction mixture was stirred further 1.5 hrs and next 9 mL of saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate was added dropwise, which increased pH to 4.5 and resulted in the disappearance of precipitate.

Next, 1.21 g (31.9 mmol) of sodium borohydride dissolved in 80 mL of water was added rapidly to vigorously stirring reaction mixture. After 15 mins, color of reaction mixture has changed to dark-brown. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After 12 hrs, the excess of unbounded GSH and aggregates formed during the synthesis of nanoparticles were precipitated by the addition 300 mL of isopropanol. The precipitate, thus formed, was centrifuged (10 mins, 5000 g, 0°C) and then nanoparticles were dissolved in 20 mL of water. Additionally, the above-described procedure of precipitation/centrifugation was repeated two times. Then, nanoparticles were put in SnakeSkin (3500-MW cut off) tube and dialyzed against distilled water for 3 days (water was changed every day).

Lipoic acid-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-LA)

Briefly, 1.9 (9.2 mmol) g of LA and 700 mg (18.5 mmol) of sodium borohydride were dissolved in 1400 mL of water. Next, 70 mL of 25 mM silver nitrate and additional portion 1 g (26.43 mmol) of sodium borohydride in 200 mL of water in 200 mL of water were added and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred in dark for 5 hrs. Then, 300 mL of the mixture was placed in SnakeSkin (3500-MW cut off) tube and dialyzed against distilled water for 3 days (water was changed every day).

Polyethylene glycol-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PEG2000)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG, average molecular mass – 2000 Da) coated spherical silver nanoparticles were obtained as described by Chen and Wang and Vander Linden et al, with some modifications.^17,18 Briefly, dodecylamine (0.75 g, 4.04 mmol) was dissolved in cyclohexane (25 mL) and 6 mL of 37% aqueous formaldehyde solution was added. After 15 mins of vigorous stirring, a cyclohexane phase was separated by centrifugation and washed two times with water (2×10 mL). Next, an aqueous silver nitrate (0.2 g AgNO₃, 1.17 mmol, dissolved in 10 mL of water) was added under vigorous stirring and the organic phase was separated after 40 mins by centrifugation at 5000 g for 10 mins.

To the hexane solution of nanoparticles, 55 mg (0.0275 mmol) of PEG-2000 Da dissolved in 3 mL of DCM was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. The precipitate of PEG 2000 Da coated nanoparticles was collected by centrifugation (10 mins, 5000 g), washed and then dissolved in 10 mL of deionized water. To remove the excess of unbonded thiol a dialysis (10,000-MW cut off) process in deionized water was applied for 3 days (water was changed every day).

The synthesized nanoparticles were covered with dodecyloamine molecules. To introduce PEG molecules onto nanoparticles surface ligand-exchange reaction was performed. The reaction relies on adding excess of thiol (which have stronger affinity to nanoparticles than amines), so PEG molecules replace all dodecyloamine molecules on NPs surface. Then, after purification of nanoparticles from excess of unbounded molecules by dialysis, the successful exchange reaction was confirmed by a series of HNMR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) measurements. To evidence that only PEG molecules are present on NPs surface, we performed additional thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) measurements.

Characterization of nanoparticles

To characterize particle size, surface coverage and purity of the obtained nanoparticles a series of TEM, SAXRD, TGA, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were performed. FTIR and TGA were carried out to confirm the success of the ligand-exchange reactions and to calculate the number of molecules attached to the nanoparticle’s surface measurements. Distribution of AgNPs size was determined and measured based on TEM images using ImageJ software (JEM-1200 EX II TEM ((JEOL, Tokyo, Japan)) which allow us to determine diameters of NPs in TEM image. According to those data, we prepared histograms of size distribution.

Blood collection and platelet isolation

Following informed consent, blood was withdrawn from healthy volunteers who had not been on any medication known to interfere with platelet function for at least 2 weeks prior to the study. Written informed consent was obtained from the volunteers in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Whole blood was collected and carefully mixed with 3.15% sodium citrate (9:1). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelet (WP) suspensions were prepared from blood as described by Radomski and Moncada, using phosphate buffer solution at the final concentration of 250,000 platelets/μL. PRP was also separated from heparinized whole blood (250 g, 20 mins) for MMP-2 ELISA assay.¹⁹

Platelet-poor plasma (PPP), which served as a blank, was obtained by centrifugation of PRP at 1500 g for 10 mins. Approval for this study was obtained from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Trinity College Dublin Research Ethics Committee (2016-03-01 [R8]).

Cell culture and exposure to AgNPs

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human gingival fibroblast culture (HGF-1) cell line were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC CRL-1730™ and ATCC CRL-2014™, respectively) and maintained as a monolayer culture in T-75 cm² tissue culture flasks. HUVEC were cultured in Ham’s F12K medium adjusted to contain 2 mM L-glutamine, 1.5 g/L sodium bicarbonate, 0.1 mg/mL heparin, 0.03 mg/mL endothelial cell growth supplement, and 10% fetal bovine serum. HGF-1 cells were grown in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (Sigma Aldrich), a high glucose medium (4.5 g/L) containing sodium pyruvate (110 mg/L), and supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 6 μg/mL penicillin-G, and 10 μg/mL streptomycin. Cells were cultured at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 95% O₂, 5% CO₂. When confluent, cells were detached enzymatically with trypsin-EDTA and sub-cultured into a new cell culture flask. The medium was replaced every 2nd day.

For experiments, the cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/mL and allowed to attach for 24 hrs, then treated with AgNPs suspended in appropriate serum-free cell culture medium for another 24 hrs. Before use, the suspensions of AgNPs were shaken for 1 min. Controls were supplied with an equivalent-volume of serum-free cell culture medium in the absence of AgNPs.

Platelet aggregation monitored by light aggregometry

To monitor platelet viability, the response of platelets to collagen (2 μg/mL) in PRP or WP was tested using light aggregometry. Briefly, PRP or WP samples (2.5×10⁸ cells/mL) were placed in a PAP 8 aggregometer (Bio/Data Corporation, Horsham, PA, USA) and incubated for 20 mins at 37°C, with stirring at 900 r.p.m. in the presence or absence of collagen (2 µg/mL).

Platelet aggregation measured by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D)

The effect of AgNPs on platelet aggregation was measured using the Q-Sense^® E4 QCM-D system (Q-Sense AB, Vastra Frolunda, Sweden) under flow conditions using a peristaltic microflow system (ISM 935; Ismatec SA, Glattbrugg, Switzerland) as previously described by our group. The working principle of QCM-D relies on the changes in resonance frequency f and energy dissipation D when an alternating current is applied through a quartz crystal and material is adsorbed on the sensor surface. The deposition of mass on the crystal induces a negative f shift from the fundamental resonant frequency of the crystal (Δf) and a positive energy dissipation shift (ΔD) that allows the measurement of the formation of platelet-microaggregates at real time on the quartz surface interface.^20,21

For carrying out those experiments, polystyrene-coated quartz crystals with a frequency of 4.95 MHz were used as sensors following coating with fibrinogen. For fibrinogen coating, sensors were placed in fibrinogen dissolved in phosphate buffer solution (100 μg/mL) for 20 mins at room temperature. Fibrinogen-coated PC quartz crystals were then mounted in the flow chamber and perfused with PBS to ensure that fibrinogen loosely bound to the sensor was removed. Afterward, PRP suspensions were perfused through the device at 37°C at a flow rate of 100 μL/min in the presence of vehicle or AgNPs (50 and 100 μg/mL). AgNPs-platelet’s interactions were monitored for 20 mins in real time by the acquisition of Q-Sense software (QSoft401) and platelet aggregation measured and analyzed as changes in frequency (Δf) and dissipation (ΔD).

To study whether or not the interaction of AgNPs with plasma proteins could be responsible for the shifts in frequency and dissipation during the aggregation studies, the interaction of NPs with PPP was also investigated. For this purpose, PPP was perfused at 100 μL/min in the presence and absence of NPs and Δf and ΔD were monitored also for 20 mins. Results from experiments using QCM-D are expressed as percentage of frequency and dissipation, where the maximal changes in frequency (negative shift) and dissipation (positive shift) at 20 mins of perfusion for the control (250,000 platelets/μL) are considered as 100%.

Phase contrast microscopy

PRP suspensions were perfused in the presence of vehicle or AgNPs on fibrinogen-coated polystyrene-coated quartz crystals for 20 mins through the device. Next, crystal surfaces were observed by phase contrast microscopy an Axiovert 200M optical microscope (Carl Zeiss) using a 5× objective and photomicrographs were taken using a digital camera and AxioVision software (v 4.7; Carl Zeiss).

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay

The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs was assessed by detecting LDH release following exposure of the WP at 37°C for 20 mins and 24 hrs, human cell line (HUVEC, HGF-1) for 24 hrs to 50 and/or 100 μg/mL AgNPs using a Cytotoxicity Detection LDH kit (Promega, Poland), according to the manufacturers’ instructions. WP or cells treated with lysis buffer (0.1% Triton X-100) was used as a positive control (total LDH release). Lysis buffer-treated cells were set to 100%. AgNPs were used as background control and their absorbance were subtracted from the reading of the samples. Results are given as % of the total LDH release from the cells.

Flow cytometry

The abundance of P-selectin and PAC-1 on the surface of platelets in the presence of AgNPs (50 and/or 100 μg/mL) was detected by flow cytometry. Collagen (2 μg/mL) induced platelets aggregation in PRP was used as a positive control whereas PRP without collagen (resting platelets) was used as a negative control. Platelets in PRP were pre-incubated with AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG (50 and 100 µg/mL), or AgNPs-LA (100 µg/mL) for 5 mins prior to the addition of collagen (2 µg/mL). When collagen-induced aggregation reached 50% maximal light transmission, samples were collected and incubated in the dark for 5 or 15 mins at room temperature in the presence of 10 μg/mL of P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa (BD Biosciences, Oxford, UK), respectively. Subsequently, samples were diluted in FACSFlow™ and analyzed within 5 mins using a FACSArray™ bioanalyzer (BD Biosciences). Flow cytometry was performed on single-stained platelet samples as previously described.¹⁹ Platelets were identified by forward and side scatter signals, and 10,000 platelet-specific events were analyzed by the flow cytometer for fluorescence. Data were analyzed using FACSArray software (v 1.0.3; BD Biosciences) and expressed as a percentage of control fluorescence. AgNPs were not detected by the bioanalyzer.

TXB₂ formation

PRP (2.5×10⁸ platelets/mL) was pre-incubated with AgNPs (50 and/or 100 µg/mL) for 5 mins and 2 µg/mL collagen was added. Aggregation was halted when control reached maximum, by adding the equivalent-volume of 2 mM cold EDTA solution with 50 mM indomethacin. The samples were centrifuged at 12,000× g for 10 mins at 4°C and the supernatant was collected and stored at –80°C. TXB₂, the stable metabolite of TXA₂, was measured using a TXB₂ enzyme immunoassay kit (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Absorbance values were also corrected with blank NPs.

MMP-1, MMP-2 release

Commercially available quantitative sandwiches ELISAs were used to measure concentrations of MMP-1 (total) (Abcam) and MMP-2 (both active and proactive) (R&D Systems, UK) released from platelets in PRP according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Briefly, PRP (2.5×10⁸ platelets/mL) was pre-incubated with AgNPs-GSH AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA (50 and/or 100 µg/mL) for 5 mins and 2 µg/mL collagen was added and aggregation was halted after 20 mins, the samples were collected, centrifuged at 12,000× g for 10 mins at 4°C and the supernatant was stored at –80°C until analysis. The lower limits of detection were 8 pg/mL for MMP-1 and 0.047 ng/mL for MMP-2.

Statistics

Data from at least three independent experiments were analyzed using GraphPad Prism (v 5.0; GraphPad Software, Inc, La Jolla, CA) and presented as means with standard deviation. Paired Student’s t-tests, one-way analyses of variance, and Tukey–Kramer post hoc multiple comparison test were performed, where appropriate. Statistical significance was considered when p<0.05.

Results

Synthesis and characterization of functionalized AgNPs

We synthesized three types of functionalized AgNPs: AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-LA, and AgNPs-PEG, as demonstrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Schematic representation of spherical silver nanoparticles and their surface coverage: (A) 2 nm diameter AgNPs coated with GSH; (B) 2.5 nm diameter AgNPs coated with LA; (C) 3.7 nm diameter AgNPs coated with PEG-2000 Da.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; LA, lipoic acid.

TEM images show the prominence of spherical AgNPs-GSH with a diameter of 2.0±0.4 nm (Figure 2A).

Figure 2 TEM images (top panel), histograms of NPs size distribution (middle panel), and SAXRD patterns (bottom panel): (A) AgNPs-GSH, (B) AgNPs-LA, (C) AgNPs-PEG 2000.

Abbreviations: TEM, transmission electron microscopy; NPs, nanopaticles; SAXRD, small-angle X-ray diffraction; AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; LA, lipoic acid.

It was also confirmed by SAXRD measurements that peaks location, as received by integration of obtained pattern, show the average distance between metallic cores about 2.2 nm which correspond well with TEM images (in case of SAXRD signal we have to also consider the length of molecules on the surface of nanoparticles so total distance between them is slightly larger). Both methods also consistently confirm the formation of spherical AgNPs-LA and AgNPs-PEG with the average diameter of 2.5±0.5 nm (Figure 2B) and 3.7±0.8 nm (Figure 2C) as calculated by the ImageJ software, respectively. It worth to note that in the attached TEM image, PEG shells around each nanoparticle are clearly visible.

As can be observed in Figure 3, both the spectra of nanoparticles and ligands are characterized by analogous absorption bands, which indicates that the nanoparticles contain the same ligands as compared to controls. Some minor differences may be the result of entanglement of some groups in the molecule in the formation of covalent bonds on nanoparticles surface or non-covalent in the solid phase under the conditions of FTIR experiments.

Figure 3 FTIR analysis of (A) AgNPs-GSH, (B) AgNPs-LA and (C) AgNPs-PEG.

Abbreviations: FTIR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; LA, lipoic acid; PEG, polyethylene glycol.

To calculate the number of molecules attached to the nanoparticles surface a series of TGA measurements were also performed. Figure 4A–C shows mass loss during when heating the sample. This loss can be attributed to the removal of the organic shell and recalculated to the number of surface thiols. To recalculate the obtained data we first calculated the mass of a single nanoparticle, using the average diameter derived from TEM and the bulk density of the metal. The mass of the organic compounds removed from a single nanoparticle was calculated using the % of mass left after the analysis. The calculated results are shown in Table 1

Table 1 %mass of organic and number of ligands attached to nanoparticles surface calculated from TGA analysis

Sample	Core size [nm] from TEM	Mas % of organic from TGA	Number of ligands
AgNPs-GSH	2±0.4	48.11	74
AgNPs-LA	2.5±0.5	41.31	176
AgNPs-PEG	3.7±0.8	69.64	192

Abbreviations: TGA, thermogravimetry analysis; TEM, transmission electron microscopy; AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; LA, lipoic acid; PEG, polyethylene glycol.

Figure 4 TGA analysis for (A) AgNPs-LA; (B) AgNPs-PEG; (C) AgNPs-GSH.

Abbreviations: TGA, thermogravimetry analysis; AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; LA, lipoic acid; PEG, polyethylene glycol; GSH, glutathione.

Functionalized AgNPs inhibit platelet aggregation as detected by QCM-D and microscopy

Before each QCM-D experiment platelet viability was confirmed using light aggregometry (Figure 5A). The perfusion of physiological concentrations of platelets (2.5×10⁸ platelets/mL) on polystyrene-coated quartz crystals caused a decrease in frequency and an increase in dissipation indicating the deposition of platelet aggregates on the sensor surface (Figures 5B and 6). We found that incubation of platelets with AgNPs-GSH and AgNPs-PEG at concentrations 50 and 100 µg/mL or AgNPs-LA at 100 µg/mL significantly decreased dissipation and increased frequency as compared to controls (Figures 5B and 6A). The QCM-D data were confirmed by phase contrast microscopy (Figure 6B).

Figure 5 Measurement of the effects of AgNPs on platelet aggregation using light aggregometry and QCM-D.

Notes: (A) A representative light aggregometry tracing showing collagen (2 µg/mL)-induced platelet aggregation. (B) Perfusion of fibrinogen-coated polystyrene-coated quartz crystals with PRP in the presence of AgNPs-GSH, GSH-PEG or AgNPs-LA leads to the reduction of platelet aggregation. (C) Perfusion of fibrinogen-coated polystyrene-coated quartz crystals with PPP in the presence of AgNPs-GSH, GSH-PEG, and AgNPs-LA did not cause significant changes in frequency. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation; n=4 **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 vs control.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; QCM-D, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation; PRP, platelet-rich plasma; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid ; PPP, platelet-poor plasma.

Figure 6 Effects of AgNPs on platelet aggregation as measured by QCM-D. Perfusion of sensor crystals with PRP in the presence of AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, or AgNPs-LA (100 µg/mL) inhibited platelet aggregation.

Notes: (A) Representative tracings from the third overtone recorded by the device in the presence or absence of AgNPs (100 µg/mL) on frequency (blue line, left axis) and dissipation (red line, right axis). (B) Representative micrographs of the surface of sensors as viewed by phase contrast microscopy showing decreased accumulation of platelet aggregates in the presence of AgNPs.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; QCM-D, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation; PRP, platelet-rich plasma; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid.

It is important to note that AgNPs did not cause deposition of plasma proteins on the crystal surface. Indeed, AgNPs did not induce changes in frequency and dissipation when plasma was perfused in the absence of platelets (Figures 5C and 7).

Figure 7 Effects of AgNPs on plasma protein accumulation as measured by QCM-D. In the absence of platelets (PPP) AgNPs did not cause deposition of proteins on the sensor surface. Representative traces from the third overtone recorded by the device showing effects of AgNPs (100 µg/mL) on frequency (blue line, left axis) and dissipation (red line, right axis).

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; QCM-D, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation; PPP, platelet-poor plasma.

Moreover, we confirmed that the corresponding concentrations of GSH, LA, and PEG from 10 to 35 µM did not induce changes in dissipation and frequency (data not shown).

Functionalized AgNPs are not cytotoxic for blood platelets for human platelets, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts

The measurement of LDH enzyme release by inhibition of 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction is a commonly used assay to evaluate potential cytotoxicity following exposure to investigated xenobiotics in vitro.²² In our study, the LDH test was chosen because the MTT assay may not be suitable for platelets. Platelets share many of the same biological characteristics as other cells. However, unlike most cells, platelets lack a nucleus and are unable to adapt to changing biological settings by altered transcription.²³ To exclude possible cytotoxic effect of investigated AgNPs on human platelets, endothelial cells and fibroblasts we measured the release of cytosolic LDH from these cells. LDH is a soluble cytoplasmic enzyme that is present in almost all cells and is released into extracellular space when the plasma membrane is damaged. Necrotic, necroptotic, and late apoptotic cell death are evaluated by determining damage of the plasma membrane.²⁴ Incubation of 2 nm AgNPs-GSH, 2.5 nm AgNPs-PEG, and 3.7 nm AgNPs-LA at concentration of 50 or 100 µg/mL with WPs, for 20 mins and 24 hrs or umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and gingival fibroblasts cells (HGF-1) for 24 hrs did not cause a significant release of total LDH (Figure 8). We incubated AgNPs with platelets for 20 mins, i.e., for the duration of our functional assay using QCM-D. The total release of LDH after 24 hrs incubation was higher than after 20 mins, which could be due to the breakdown of platelets. However, the difference between the control and the platelets treated with AgNPs was not significant.

Figure 8 AgNPs do not cause LDH release from (A) washed platelets after 20 mins of incubation, (B) washed platelets, (C) HUVEC, and (D) HGF-1 cells after 24 hrs of incubation as compared with untreated WP or cells. Results are mean ± standard deviation; n=3. Lysis buffer-treated cells and WP were set to 100% (total LDH release).

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cells; WP, washed platelet.

Effects of functionalized AgNPs on the expression of P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa as measured by flow cytometry

Platelet activation leads to increased abundance of platelet surface receptors such as P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa.¹⁹ As expected, stimulation of platelets with collagen at 2 µg/mL induced a significant increase in the number of copies of P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa, on the platelet surface. Incubation of PRP with AgNPs-GSH and AgNPs-PEG at 50 and 100 µg/mL or AgNPs-LA at 100 µg/mL significantly inhibited collagen-mediated increase in total P-selectin (Figure 9) and GPIIb/IIIa (Figure 10).

Figure 9 AgNPs-GSH. AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA attenuated collagen-stimulated increase in the abundance of P-selectin on the platelets.

Notes: (A) Representative flow cytometry recordings showing effects of AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA (100 μg/mL) on P-Selectin. The corresponding bar graph shows an analysis of the effects of AgNPs on (B) P-Selectin. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation; n=4; ***P<0.001 vs collagen-stimulated platelets or as indicated.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid.

Figure 10 AgNPs-GSH. AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA attenuated collagen-stimulated increase in the abundance of GPIIb/IIIa on the platelet surface.

Notes: (A) Representative flow cytometry recordings showing effects of AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA (100 μg/mL) on GPIIb/IIIa. The corresponding bar graph shows analysis of the effects of AgNPs on (B) GPIIb/IIIa. Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation; n=4; ***P<0.001 vs collagen-stimulated platelets or as indicated. Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid.

Functionalized AgNPs decrease TXB₂ formation in platelets

Incubation of platelets with AgNPs-GSH and AgNPs-PEG at 50 and 100 µg/mL or AgNPs-LA at 100 µg/mL significantly inhibited collagen-induced formation of TXB₂ (Figure 11).

Figure 11 AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA decreased collagen-induced formation of TXB₂ by platelets.

Notes: Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation; n=4; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001 vs collagen-stimulated platelets.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid.

Functionalized AgNPs decrease MMP-1 and MMP-2 release from platelets

Collagen at 2 µg/mL caused a significant enhancement of MMP-1 and MMP-2 release in PRP. Incubation of platelets with AgNPs-GSH and AgNPs-PEG significantly inhibited collagen-induced increase in MMP-1 in a concentration-dependent manner and MMP-2 at the highest concentration (100 µg/mL) as indicated in Figure 12.

Figure 12 AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA attenuated collagen-induced increase of (A) MMP-1 and (B) MMP-2 levels from platelets.

Notes: Data expressed as mean ± standard deviation; n=4; *P<0.05; ***P<0.001 vs collagen-stimulated platelets or as indicated.

Abbreviations: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles; GSH, glutathione; PEG, polyethylene glycol; LA, lipoic acid.

Based on obtained results, we found that synthesized by our team AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG , and AgNPs-LA protected against blood platelets aggregation underflow condition and attenuated collagen-mediated increase in total P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa, TXB₂ formation, MMP-1, MMP-2 release in PRP at concentration non-cytotoxicity to human platelets and human cells at non-cytotoxic concentration (Figure 13).

Figure 13 Effects of functionalized AgNPs on human platelet aggregation.

Abbreviation: AgNPs, silver nanoparticles.

Discussion

Both pharmacological and toxicological actions of nanoparticles depend on their functionalization and physicochemical properties such as shape and size.^{4,12,16,25,26} It has been shown that Ag nanowires (length of 1.5–25 µm; diameter of 100–160 nm) exerted a strong cytotoxic effect on human lung epithelial A549 cells, whereas spherical AgNPs (30 nm) had negligible effects on the cells.²⁷ The authors suggested that the direct contact of long wires with the cell surface may account for the toxicity. Indeed, we have demonstrated that spherical nanoparticles with the mean size of 2–3.7 nm are not cytotoxic against human cells at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL. On the other hand, Helmlinger et al, 2016 demonstrated that toxicity of spheres (20–60 nm), cubes (140–180 nm), and rods (diameter 80–120 nm, length >1000 nm) AgNPs on human mesenchymal cells was not shape dependent.²⁸ Several studies indicated that unmodified nanoparticles of Ag are cytotoxic to human cells.^26–29 Previously, we have found that treatment of human gingival fibroblast with 2 nm non-functionalized AgNPs causes cells death, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.²⁹ We have also documented that exposure to non-functionalized AgNPs with the average size of 18 nm results in nanoparticle uptake by human osteoblast and changes in cell ultrastructure leading to apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, the cell death was associated with increased level of iNOS mRNA, iNOS protein, and generation of increased amounts of NO.²⁶ In contrast, functionalized Ag nanoparticles may be more biocompatible.^{4,5,8,10,13–16,30,31} A number of strategies are available to increase the biocompatibility of nanoparticles. Pegylation, i.e., coating the surface of nanoparticles with PEG is a commonly used approach for improving the efficiency of drug delivery to target cells and tissues. PEG coatings on nanoparticles shield the surface from aggregation and prolong systemic circulation time.³² Glutathione is present in human tissues as the most abundant nonprotein thiol that defends against oxidative stress and it plays an important role in the detoxification processes.³³ In some studies, GSH was used as a stabilizer of nanoparticles.^33–36 Finally, LA, well known as an antioxidant, and agent improving biocompatibility of nanoparticles.³⁷ Also, our previous study demonstrated that 10 nm AgNPs functionalized with LA and PEG were less toxic against human gingival fibroblast in vitro than the unmodified ones.¹⁶ Therefore, we synthesized GSH-PEG- and LA-functionalized AgNPs and studied the effects of these nanoparticles on platelet function. We found that all tested functionalized AgNPs exerted antiplatelet properties at non-cytotoxic concentrations as measured by QCM-D. The QCM-D method is able to measure nanoparticle-induced platelet microaggregation, underflow, mimicking conditions encountered in microvasculature, at concentrations undetectable by light aggregometry and flow cytometry.^20,21 Consistent with our results, Ragaseema et al, 2012 observed inhibitory effect of PEG-coated AgNPs on platelets aggregation.⁸ In other research, 10 nm AgNPs showed dose-dependent antiplatelet activity and decreased ADP-induced aggregation as measured by light aggregometry.³⁰ Moreover, Shrivastava et al, 2009 presented that 10–15 nm AgNPs showed antiplatelet both in vitro and in vivo.³⁸ In contrast, 10–100 nm AgNPs-induced platelet aggregation both in isolated human platelets and in an animal model following intratracheal instillation.⁶ Huang et al 2016 demonstrated that 20 nm AgNPs coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and citrate at the concentration of 500 µg/mL exerted no significant effect on human platelet aggregation.⁵ Similarly, in 18 healthy human volunteers, after 2 weeks of daily exposure to orally ingested commercial 32 nm AgNPs, no effect on platelet aggregation was detected by light transmission aggregometry at peak serum silver concentrations <10 μg/L.⁹ These contradictory results, i.e., inhibition, stimulation, or no significant effect of AgNPs on platelet function may be due to differences in the size of AgNPs, their stabilization, functionalization, as well as method of synthesis.

Mechanisms underlying modulation of platelet function by AgNPs might result from their cytotoxic effects. Some researchers found that AgNPs, can induce inflammation, oxidative stress, ultrastructural alteration, or apoptosis.^15,38 However, our findings do not support the notion that platelet-inhibitory effects of functionalized AgNPs are due to their cytotoxic effects as all three cell types: platelets, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts when exposed to these nanoparticles did not show cytotoxicity as measured by LDH release. This is consistent with work of Shrivastava et al, 2009 who confirmed that 10–15 nm AgNPs even at higher concentration (500 µg/mL), did not affect platelet membrane integrity.³⁹ Similarly, Krishnaraj and Berchmans, 2013 did not observe LDH release from platelets after exposure to 10 nm AgNPs at the concentration range of 0.9–3.5 nM.⁴⁰ Furthermore, Kim et al, 2008 reported that nanosilver up to 300 mg/kg was nontoxic to rodents.³⁸

It is rather more likely that platelet-inhibitory effects of functionalized AgNPs are due to interactions with platelet surface proteins. Platelet activation alters the composition of the platelet membrane, leading to surface expression of P-selectin and an increase in the number of integrin GPIIb/IIIa.^19,41 The activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptor is a common pathway leading to platelet activation and is also targeted by nanoparticles.⁴² Indeed, in the current experiments, all tested functionalized AgNPs inhibited activation of GPIIb/IIIa on the platelet surface. Furthermore, it has been shown that the inhibition of platelets aggregation by AgNPs could be due to conformational modulation of platelet surface integrins GPIIb/IIIa.⁴¹ Therefore, we propose that platelet-inhibitory activity of functionalized AgNPs is due to interactions with the function of this receptor complex. In addition to inhibition of activation of GPIIb/IIIa functionalized AgNPs may inhibit agglutination, i.e., passive mechanism of platelet aggregation.⁴³ Nanoparticle-induced platelet agglutination depends on the formation of nanoparticle–nanoparticle aggregates and these facilitate nanoparticle-made bridge formation between.⁴⁴ As functionalized AgNPs form less nanoparticle aggregates than uncoated NPs this property could also contribute to mechanisms that underlie the platelet-inhibitory activity of these NPs.

Finally, the net charge of functionalized AgNPs in interactions with platelets should be considered. Indeed, Dobovolskaia and colleagues showed that cationic but not neutral or anionic PAMAM dendrimers have the ability to stimulate platelet aggregation. In our experiments, we used three types of organic molecules as surface ligands to modify nanoparticles: PEG-SH, α-LA, and L-Glutathione. Because thiol group of PEG-SH molecule creates a bond between the surface of the nanoparticle and the PEG moiety, it is not involved in any acid–base relationship. PEG stabilized nanoparticle should be considered as a neutral particle, which net charge cannot be influenced by acid or based environment. Moreover, PEG-ylated nanoparticles in contrast to other types of nanoparticles are subjected to well-known biological effects related to much weaker binding of macromolecules from physiological media. A weak interference of PEGylated nanoparticles with the immune system has been linked to the lower degree of protein binding to particles and prevents unwanted biological effects in many drug delivery systems based on this type of nanoparticles.⁴⁵ Coating of NPs with bulky molecules like PEG decreases protein binding to NPs as well as phagocytosis.⁴⁶ Therefore, the presence of PEG on the surface of PEG-AgNPs could limit interactions between platelet receptors such as GPIIb/IIIa and their ligands thus inhibiting platelet aggregation. The functionalization of AgNPs with GSH or LA may result in negative surface charge of GSH-AgNPs and LA-AgNPs. For α-LA, there is only one part of the molecule that can be protonated and deprotonated – it is carboxylic group which pKa =4.52, therefore in the biological experiment this molecule is deprotonated and gives negative net charge to the whole nanoparticle. The situation is more complicated for glutathione-stabilized nanoparticles because for L-GSH reduced pKa can be distinguished: pK1=2.12 (COOH), pK2=3.59 (COOH), pK3=8.75 (NH2), pK4=9.65 (SH). According to these data, GSH has a net negative charge at neutral pH and is highly water soluble. Therefore, it would be expected to reside in an aqueous environment and has less absorption on cell membranes. The influence of surface charge is difficult to interpret for GSH because effective surface charge may be modulated in physiological solution due to binding of proteins that have significant affinity to glutathione, very common molecule for cell environment. As an increase in platelet negative surface charge decreases platelet aggregation, platelet surface charge effects of GSH-AgNPs and LA-AgNPs could contribute to inhibition of platelet aggregation by these nanoparticles.⁴⁷ The function of platelet receptors is regulated by a number of downstream platelet mediators.

In the previous studies, it was indicated that the platelet release of MMP-1 and MMP-2 was caused by collagen-induced aggregation.^48,49 These MMPs rapidly relocate from granule structures inside the platelet to the plasma membrane of activated platelets and enhance P-selectin expression, platelet procoagulant activity, and thrombus formation.^48–51 Moreover, MMP-2 is involved in the modification of platelet glycoprotein α_IIbβ₃ resulting in enhanced platelet adhesion and aggregation.^48,49,52 MMP-1 was also indicated to associate with the α_IIbβ₃ integrin, as suggested by Galt et al, 2002.⁵² It has been shown that MMP-2 contributed to platelets stimulation and aggregation by non-ADP and non-TXA₂ pathway.^51,53

Thromboxane A₂ is yet another platelet mediator that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and a stimulator of platelet aggregation. We found that all tested functionalized AgNPs, similar to aspirin, which represents commonly used antiplatelet agent, may exert a part of their effects through reduction of TXA₂ production.⁵¹ Interestingly, Falcinelli et al, 2007 indicated that the lack of aspirin intake on MMP-2 release in vivo is probably implicated in the mechanism of aspirin resistance.⁵³ Thus, synthesized by our team functionalized AgNPs as inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-1 would be suggested as a novel, alternative strategy for developing therapeutics in thrombosis.^54–57 Furthermore, due to critical role in inducing platelet aggregate formation, GPIIb/IIIa has become a primary target for the development of antithrombotic agents. Currently, three integrin GPIIb/IIIa antagonists (abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban) have been approved for clinical use.⁵⁸ Unfortunately, they exert severe side effects, especially bleeding complications and therefore studies on the development of more effective and safer antiplatelet agents are needed.

One needs to acknowledge that a significant limitation when developing functionalized AgNPs as antiplatelet agents may be due to the fact that non-functionalized may exert opposite effects and activate platelets. Indeed, Jun et al, 2011 observed that 10–100 nm AgNPs at a concentration of 100–250 µg/mL induced platelet activation and increase of P-selectin expression under in vitro condition. Moreover, they found that exposure of rats to AgNPs (0.05–0.1 mg/kg i.v. or 5–10 mg/kg intratracheal instillation) enhanced P-selectin expression.⁶ Therefore, careful pharmacokinetics studies examing the fate of functionalized AgNPs would be crucial for pharmacological development of these agents.

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 10993-4), five different categories (thrombosis, coagulation, platelets, hematology, and immunology (complement system and leukocytes)), are necessary for hemocompatibility evaluation.⁵⁹

Our studies estimate influence for them, i.e., platelets and endothelial cells, which may suggest hemocompatibility. There is no doubt that to precisely define the safety profile of those AgNPs further studies for evaluating their effect on erythrocytes and white cells are warranted. Other authors have studied the effect of AgNPs to morphological blood elements that are also part of the immune system (NK cells, lymphocyte). These immune cells are belonging to the innate immune system and they can be rapidly activated upon recognition of a foreign invader such as a foreign material. So far, AgNPs affected the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of red blood cells (RBCs), additionally were toxic at a high concentration, against low concentration (<0.4 μg/mL) of AgNPs was relatively safe.⁶⁰ Also exposure to AgNPs of NK cells, reduced the viability and the cytotoxic potential after polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid stimulation of NK cells and increased the expression of the inhibitory receptor CD159a. In the same, studies were confirmed that exposure to AgNPs changes NK cells’ function and phenotype and may present a risk for modulating human immune responses.⁶¹ For comparison, l-cysteine functionalized silver do not exhibit acute toxicity for plasma after intragastric and intraperitoneal administration.⁶² Similarly, in Ferrer’s research AgNPs functionalized with dextran did not affect morphology and cell viability of monocytes (THP-1).⁶³ But, another study shows that for RBCs, AgNP-PVP-20 at ~40 μg/mL could cause hemolysis to 19%. Both AgNP-PVP-20 and AgNP-CIT-20 were quite toxic to lymphocytes since they severely inhibited both lymphocyte proliferation and viability.⁶⁴

Limitations and future perspectives

As it is an in vitro investigation, studies exploring, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, therapeutic, and clinical potential of functionalized AgNPs need to be performed. However, it is clear that the modification of AgNPs by functionalization holds a promise for further development of AgNPs as pharmaceutical or imaging agents. Having regard to successful clinical applications, it is necessary to precisely define safety profiles of AgNPs, therefore, effect of their exposure is a key issue that needs further in vivo assessment.⁶⁵

Conclusion

We have shown that functionalized AgNPs (AgNPs-GSH, AgNPs-PEG, and AgNPs-LA) sized from 2 to 3.7 nm inhibit platelet aggregation underflow condition. Mechanisms of this action of functionalized AgNPs are likely to be dependent on down-regulation of P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa receptor expression, TXA₂ formation, and MMP-1, MMP-2 release from platelets. Figure 13 summarizes the effects of functionalized AgNPs on platelets.

We believe that these findings are important for understanding interactions between AgNPs and human platelets and their pharmacological and toxicological significance. The lack of cytotoxicity against the important elements of the circulation system, i.e., platelets and endothelial cells in LDH assay, suggests potential hemocompatibility. Further studies are warranted for establishing the safety profile of these AgNPs prior to their potential clinical applications.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the National Science Centre of Poland HARMONIA grant: 2017/26/M/NZ7/01030. Nadhim Kamil Hante is funded from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq (MoHER).