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Unravelling the DNA Binding Interactions and Genotoxicity of Cerium Sulfide Nanoparticles

S Farhat Afsar, Chandra Prabha M N, D L Monika, R Hari Krishna

Abstract


Metal sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively explored for biomedical applications, yet their interactions with DNA are essential for evaluating their biological safety. The DNA-binding and genotoxic potential of cerium sulfide NPs (Ce₂S₃ NPs) remain poorly defined.  This study evaluates the interaction of solvothermally synthesized Ce₂S₃ NPs with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and their genotoxic effects using complementary spectroscopic, electrochemical, and biological approaches. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a wurtzite crystal structure with particle sizes of 16 - 40 nm. Surface charge measurements indicated a point of zero charge (pHₚzc) of 6, consistent with protonation under acidic conditions and deprotonation under basic conditions, providing complementary evidence for the electrostatic interaction between DNA and the Ce₂S₃ NPs. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed a hypochromic effect, with a binding constant (Kb) of 5.19 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, indicating moderate DNA-binding affinity. Fluorescence quenching yielded a Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv) of 1.57 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and a Kb of 6.71 × 10⁶ M⁻¹, consistent with predominantly through static quenching. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy confirmed retention of the native B-form of CT-DNA, indicating non-intercalative binding. Cyclic voltammetry suggested an electrostatic, with an estimated Kb of 1.70 × 10⁴ M⁻¹. Comet assay revealed dose-dependent DNA damage: limited genotoxicity at lower Ce₂S₃ NPs concentrations, and increased DNA damage at higher concentrations. These findings indicate a concentration-dependent transition from relatively limited DNA interactions at lower concentrations to detectable genotoxic effects at higher concentrations, suggesting the need for dose optimization to ensure their safe and effective use in biomedical applications.

Keywords



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DOI: 10.14416/j.asep.2026.10.001

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