Synthesis and Characterization of MgO Nanoparticle and Its In Vitro Cytotoxic Effect on Erythrocytes

Nanomaterials have moved into modern biological and medicinal implications for the advancement of biomedical applications. Magnesium oxide is a basic oxide of interest that has many applications in catalysis, adsorption, and synthesis of refractory ceramics as well as in the biological system. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are characterized with a wide variety of applications and are mass-produced throughout the world. However, questions remain regarding its safety. There has been paucity of toxicology research on its side effects, especially under in vivo conditions. The present paper aims at evaluating the toxicity of chemically synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles in erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs). The synthesized MgO nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, FTIR, and TEM analysis. The synthesized MgO showed hemolytic activity in a dose-dependent sequence. Size and charge characteristics of MgO observed supposed to be the influencing factor for the toxicity to the erythrocytes. Functionalization and surface modification of the synthesized MgO will help in its better applicability in biomedical science.