Abstract

Endoprostheses are susceptible to tribological wear and biological processes that result in the release of particles, including aluminium nanoparticles (Al NPs), which can enter the bloodstream. The toxic effects of these nanoparticles on platelets have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to assess the influence of Al NPs on human platelet function using an innovative quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) approach, alongside various assays such as light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry, optical microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. All tested Al NPs significantly increased both dissipation (D) and frequency (F), indicating platelet aggregation even at the lowest concentration of 0.5 µg/mL, with the exception of the largest Al NPs (80 nm). A size-dependent effect on platelet aggregation was noted for the 5 20 nm and 30–50 nm NPs, where larger particles resulted in smaller increases in D and F, but this was not observed for the 20–30 nm range. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that smaller Al NPs (5–50 nm) induce platelet aggregation, while larger particles (80 nm) penetrate platelets, forming heterologous structures with them. Consequently, it is advisable for clinicians to monitor nanoparticle serum levels and platelet activation indices in patients with orthopaedic implants. Keywords: Aluminium nanoparticles, platelet aggregation, orthopaedic implants, toxicity, QCM-D.

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