In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity Assessment of a DSPCar-AmB Nanocarrier Using MTT and Ames Assays
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026),
28 April 2026
,
Page 1-12
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v17i1.52478
Abstract
Background: Amphotericin B (AmB) is a potent antifungal agent with dose-dependent toxicity. A DSPCar-based nanoliposomal formulation of AmB was previously developed and showed improved antifungal activity. This study aimed to evaluate its in vitro safety profile, including cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
Methods: The DSPCar-AmB nanocarrier was characterized for size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on HEK293 cells (0.01-100 µM, 24h). Genotoxicity was evaluated using the Ames test on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, with and without S9 metabolic activation, at three concentrations (50, 500, and 5000 µg/plate).
Results: DSPCar-AmB (size 89.4 ± 6.2 nm, PDI 0.18, zeta potential -32.5 mV) significantly reduced cytotoxicity compared to the reference liposomal formulation, with cell viability exceeding 85% at all tested concentrations (p < 0.05). The IC₅₀ of DSPCar-AmB was >100 µM, while the reference formulation had an IC₅₀ of 8.2 ± 1.4 µM. In the Ames test, no significant increase in revertant colonies was observed under any condition (fold increase < 1.5 vs. negative control), indicating absence of mutagenic potential.
Conclusion: The DSPCar-AmB nanocarrier exhibits a favorable in vitro safety profile with reduced cytotoxicity and no detectable genotoxicity. Combined with its previously reported antifungal efficacy, this formulation suggests a potentially improved safety-efficacy profile and warrants further preclinical development.
- 7, 12-dimethylbenzeneanthracene
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