In vivo biodistribution and synergistic toxicity of silica nanoparticles and cadmium chloride in mice

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and CdCl2 have a positive synergistic toxicity in mice. Although SiNPs were low toxic to mice, co-exposure to SiNPs and CdCl2 significantly enhanced CdCl2-induced oxidative damage in the liver. Serum albumin and Cd2+ mutually enhanced the binding of each other to SiNPs via the interaction of serum albumin and Cd2+. The uptake of serum albumin- and Cd2+-bound SiNPs by the macrophages in the liver resulted in a significant increase in the Cd level in the organ, which accounted for the positive synergistic toxicity of SiNPs and CdCl2 in mice.