@article{wjce2017522,
author={{Liu, David S. and Stenger, Christine N. and Zappitelli, Lucielle E. and Heston, Amy J.},
title={Creating Unique Undergraduate Research Projects for Nursing Majors that Investigate the Anti-proliferative Effects of Heavy Metal Compounds on MCF-7, A375, and HFF Cells},
journal={World Journal of Chemical Education},
volume={5},
number={2},
pages={29--36},
year={2017},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjce/5/2/2},
issn={2375-1657},
abstract={Heavy metals, such as thallium and barium, are known for their toxicity. The focus of this project was to create research techniques for undergraduate nursing majors who had only two semesters of chemistry laboratory experience. This study investigated the antiproliferative effects of thallium and barium salts on breast cancer cells (MCF-7), skin cancer cells (A375), and normal Human Foreskin Fibroblasts (HFF). The project was designed to provide a unique research opportunity for nursing majors having only two semesters of chemistry laboratory experience. Critical thinking in chemistry and its application to real life situations were key learning objectives in investigating the toxic effects of various metals compounds on biological cells. Thallium, barium, and potassium possess very similar atomic radii, resulting in the ability of Tl<SUP>+</SUP> and Ba<SUP>2+</SUP> to easily enter the cell via the Na<SUP>+</SUP>/K<SUP>+</SUP> pump. Cytotoxicity was monitored utilizing a Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Results indicated cell death for MCF-7 (2 ¦ÌM TlCH<SUB>3</SUB>COO, 75 ¦ÌM TlNO<SUB>3</SUB>), A375 (100 ¦ÌM TlCH<SUB>3</SUB>COO, 75 ¦ÌM TlNO<SUB>3</SUB>), and HFF (100 ¦ÌM TlCH<SUB>3</SUB>COO, 100 ¦ÌM TlNO<SUB>3</SUB>). Remarkably, these cells tolerated 800 ¦ÌM Ba(NO<SUB>3</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB>. The procedure and techniques were designed to limit exposure to toxins and enhance the education of Walsh University¡¯s nursing majors.},
doi={10.12691/wjce-5-2-2}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}