Evaluation of Cellulose Nanoparticles Synthesized by Acid Hydrolysis for Safe Applications

In the present study, cellulose nanoparticles were synthesized from waste cotton by acid hydrolysis method. Nanoparticles were obtained by the hydrolysis of pretreated cotton fibers with an acid mixture containing water, hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Characterization and biocompatibility studies of obtained cellulose nanoparticles were performed successfully. The morphological studies of cellulose nanoparticles were conducted by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Both showed that the cellulose nanoparticles synthesized from waste cotton measured approximately 100 - 200nm in diameter. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopic spectrum showed the elemental composition of the cellulose nanoparticles containing carbon and oxygen. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy spectrum revealed the presence of several characteristic peaks of cellulose nanoparticles. Human lung epithelial (Beas-2B) cells were used to assess the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility activity of cellulose nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity of cellulose nanoparticles was determined by 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. Live/Dead viability assay was carried out to assess the biocompatibility of cellulose nanoparticles. Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Beas-2B cells incubated with cellulose nanoparticles was determined by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay. MTT and Live/Dead assays showed no significant induction of cell death even at higher concentrations (100 μg) upon exposure to Beas- 2B cells. ROS assay revealed that cellulose nanoparticles did not induce any reactive oxygen species that contribute to the oxidative stress and inflammation leading to various disease conditions. The results revealed that the cellulose nanoparticles have a great potential in a variety of commercial applications