Direct contact cytotoxicity assays for filter-collected, carbonaceous (soot) nanoparticulate material and observations of lung cell response

A simple, direct contact, cytotoxicity (in vitro) assay has been developed where particulate matter (PM) collected on glass fiber filters was exposed to human epithelial (lung) cells. Carbonaceous (soot) PM included tire, wood, diesel, candle, and variously combusted natural gas PM from a kitchen stove range. Black carbon PM and a commercial multiwall carbon nanotube aggregate PM was also examined in vitro as surrogate materials, and all experimental PM was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Assay results for 48 h cultures showed toxicity for all carbonaceous PM with various natural gas PM being the most toxic; this was comparable to the toxicity induced by the surrogate PM. Light microscopy examination of affected epithelial cells confirmed the semi-quantitative results. Comparison of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content and concentration for the carbonaceous PM showed no PAH correlation with relative cell viability (cell death) after 48 h.