The modality of cell-particle interactions drives the toxicity of nanosized CuO and TiO2 in human alveolar epithelial cells

Our results support the previous data reporting CuO NPs are highly cytotoxic and genotoxic, and associate their toxic effects with their cell penetration and interaction with various compartments. In conclusion, the so-called “Trojan horse” mechanism and autophagy, are involved in nCuO-induced cell death, even a further research is needed to explain the events occurring at early exposure time.