Figure 4

Cell viability analysis of PB and PB-CA (direct and indirect mechanisms). (A) Cytotoxicity of PB and PB-CA in macrophage-like THP-1 cells (solid line) and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells (dashed line). (B) Optical images of macrophage-like THP-1 cells treated by PB NPs (upper panel) and PB-CA (lower panel). (C) Optical images of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells treated by PB NPs (upper panel) and PB-CA (lower panel). (D) Potential of ROS generation of PB and PB-CA measured by DCFH-DA assay. (E) Protein corona binding affinity assay of PB and PB-CA (the data are expressed as adsorbed protein levels). (F) The change of pH before and after incubation of PB and PB-CA in various media.