Dispersion Characteristics of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Ionic and Non-ionic Isotonic Solution

이온성 및 비이온성 등장액 용매에서 산화아연나노입자의 분산 특성

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are widely used in a variety of products and cosmetic products including paper, paints, plastics and sunscreen. However, information on the safety of ZnONPs are not enough and many publications suggest possible toxic effects on environmental and human health. Furthermore, physico-chemical characteristics of nanoparticles makes it hard to test toxicity using the test guidelines of chemicals adopted by regulatory bodies. In this study, stability of ZnONPs was investigated using different types of isotonic solution, which is important in the toxicity study of intravenous route. Precipitation, aggregation, size, zeta potential and morphology of ZnONPs were evaluated with different times and concentrations. Precipitation of ZnONPs were observed in ionic isotonic solution including phosphate-buffered saline, Kreb's-Ringer solution, physiological salt solution and cell culture media of DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium) with 10% fetal bovine serum. On the other hand, they were stable without precipitation in non-ionic isotonic solution such as 5% glucose and 2% glycerol, respectively, which are biocompatible for intravenous injection. The average size of ZnONPs in 5% glucose and 2% glycerol was stably maintained, which is less than 30 nm and very similar as that in water dispersion of ZnONPs, provided by the manufacturer. The stability was maintained during the experimental period of 5 days and diluted state up to 15,000 ppm. These data suggest that 5% glucose and 2% glycerol solution can be used for the vehicles of ZnONPs in the toxicity study of intravenous injection route.