N-acetylcysteine delivery with silica nanoparticles into 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Background: The addition of 5 mM N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to 3T3-L1 adipocytes culture inhibits the accumulation of triglycerides (Tg) by 50%, but after 48 h uptake was only 16% of total NAC available. Based on these results, the aim of this study is to increase the NAC cellular uptake by encapsulating it in silica nanoparticles (NPs). Materials & methods: Silica NPs, 20 ± 4.5 nm in size, were developed, with an inner cavity loaded with 5 mM NAC. At 48 h after treatment, there was a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. We attempted to reduce the cytotoxicity of silica NPs by coating them with bovine serum albumin. Results: While we obtained nontoxic bovine serum albumin coated NPs, their effect on Tg cellular accumulation was also reduced.