Hepatic effects of yttrium oxide nanoflowers: in vitro risk evaluation

Yttrium oxide nanoflowers were prepared by a hydrothermal technique, and X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine their structures. The cytotoxic and genotoxic potentials of aqueous dispersions of the nanoflowers to cultured primary rat hepatocytes were examined at concentrations up to 500 mg L−1 for 72 h. Cell viability was determined by monitoring the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, release of lactate dehydrogenase, and uptake of neutral red. Genotoxicity was assessed by the liver micronucleus assay. Exposure to Y2O3 nanoflowers at concentrations lower than 100 mg L−1 did not lead to any cytotoxicity or genotoxicity. At higher concentrations (200, 400, and 500 mg L−1), cell viability decreased and induction of micronuclei increased (400 and 500 mg L−1).