Primary astrocytes as a cellular depot of polystyrene nanoparticles

The aim of the study is to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of PS-NPs on in vitro cultured cells such as primary astrocytes, neurons and their co-cultures. The internalization and distribution of PS-NPs within cells was visualized using confocal microscopy and the fluorescence intensity derived from PS-NP was quantified. The cytotoxic effect was assessed using the MTT and LDH assays. Additionally, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was analysed as a marker of astrocytic activation.