In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Oxytetracycline Loaded Cockle Shell Derived Calcium Carbonate Aragonite Nanoparticles

Background: Evaluation of the toxic effects of nanoparticle-drug in vitro is an important step in the design of new pharmaceutical formulations. Rapid results, reduced cost and easy handling make cell culture models first line in initial toxicological assessment of nano-drug preparations. Objective: To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of oxytetracycline loaded calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticle in normal mouse fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell line. Methods: NIH3T3 cells were exposed to varying concentrations (6.25-100 μg/mL) of calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticle (CS-CaCO3NP), oxytetracycline loaded calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticle (OTC-CS-CaCO3NP) and oxytetracycline (OTC) in 96 well plates for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell viability was determined by MTT and trypan blue assays. Results: Both assays showed that CS-CaCO3NP and OTC-CS-CaCO3NP had higher cell viability values compared to OTC. Conclusion: Encapsulating OTC into CS-CaCO3NP reduced its cytotoxicity to NIH3T3 cells using both MTT and trypan blue assay.