David S. Liu¹, Christine N. Stenger¹, Lucielle E. Zappitelli¹, Amy J. Heston^1,

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⁺ and Ba²⁺ to easily enter the cell via the Na⁺/K⁺ pump. Cytotoxicity was monitored utilizing a Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Results indicated cell death for MCF-7 (2 µM TlCH₃COO, 75 µM TlNO₃), A375 (100 µM TlCH₃COO, 75 µM TlNO₃), and HFF (100 µM TlCH₃COO, 100 µM TlNO₃). Remarkably, these cells tolerated 800 µM Ba(NO₃)₂. The procedure and techniques were designed to limit exposure to toxins and enhance the education of Walsh University’s nursing majors.

A375 cells, barium, cancer, chemical education, HFF cells, MCF-7 cells, thallium, undergraduate research