ABSTRACT
In the rapid and expanding field of nanotechnology, the safety of nanoparticles is of great concern and it is necessary to evaluate their potential toxicity. Nanomaterials display unique physicochemical properties that can interfere with classical toxicity assays and can even lead to false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, comprehensive characterization is required prior to in vitro nanoparticle toxicity testing. In this review, we briefly describe the general use and limitations of the main in vitro cytotoxicity assays, paying particular attention to interferences in these in vitro systems. We searched the literature for 2015, noting the studies that did and did not take interferences into consideration. Our literature search revealed that few studies modified the methods to avoid potential interferences or even considered them. Thus, in some cases, the reliability of the results should be considered before reaching any conclusions about the cytotoxicity of different nanomaterials.
