Novel approaches for image analysis of in vitro epithelial cultures with application to silver nanoparticle toxicity

Flight, Rachel Catharine (2017). Novel approaches for image analysis of in vitro epithelial cultures with application to silver nanoparticle toxicity. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

A novel imaging approach was developed for the purpose of counting cells from phase contrast microscopy images of laboratory grown (in vitro} cultures of epithelial cells. Validation through comparison with standard laboratory cell counting techniques showed this approach provided consistent and comparable results, whilst overcoming limitations of these existing techniques, such as operator variability and sample destruction.

The imaging approach was subsequently applied to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNP} on H400 oral keratinocytes. Concurrent investigations into antimicrobial effects of AgNP were performed on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans to provide models for Gram-positive and Gram-negative infection, and to compare with the literature and oral keratinocyte toxicity. It was found that AgNP elicit size-, dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition in both human cells and bacteria, although bacterial inhibition was not achieved without significant cytotoxicity at the same concentrations.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):