Insights Into the Adverse Effects of Polytetrafluoroethylene Nanoparticles: Based on an In Vitro Toxicological Impacts

Polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles (PTFE NPs) are used as nanoadditives due to their high melting temperatures and strong covalent connections between carbon and fluorine. PTFE NPs have a wide applications as coating materials, aircraft industry, chemical industry, and solar panels for energy savings. Interestingly, despite its widespread use, there is no comprehensive risk assessment study regarding on human health and environment. For the first time, in vitro and in ovo toxicological profile of PTFE NPs was investigated on different cell types depending on their characteristic properties in this study. According to the results, it was observed that PTFE NPs significantly affected cell viability on L929 and A549 cell lines and also exhibited dose-dependent ROS formation on L929 cells. PTFE NPs inhibited cell migration on the L929 cell line but, on the contrary, activated cell migration on the A549 cell line. It was seen that PTFE NPs caused haemolysis at high doses and exhibited lysis from the second minute on vascular membrane which is in the moderate irritation category in HET-CAM test. In conclusion, PTFE NPs exhibited significant toxic effects on different cell types, so, there are concerns about their safe use. In addition, further studies and comprehensive risk assessments should be needed for investigations.