PVP-stabilized tungsten oxide nanoparticles inhibit proliferation of NCTC L929 mouse fibroblasts via induction of intracellular oxidative stress

In this study, photochromic PVP-stabilized tungsten oxide nanoparticles (WO$_{3-x}$ NPs) were shown to exhibit a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on mouse fibroblasts in vitro. WO$_{3-x}$ NPs reduce viability and proliferative activity of the cells via induction of intracellular oxidative stress leading to apoptosis and cell death. WO$_{3-x}$ NPs modulate the mRNA expression of a wide range of genes responsible for oxidative stress and the cell redox-system.