Acesulfame potassium binding to DNA and effects on cells in lab tests
What it found
In lab tests, acesulfame potassium attached to DNA and killed 85% of human cells at about 5 mg/mL after 48 hours.
The sweetener settled into a groove of the DNA molecule.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Binding to DNA
Lab tests showed that acesulfame potassium attaches to DNA by fitting into a small groove along the molecule. Computer models placed it between two specific building blocks of the DNA strand.
Forces holding it together
The sweetener was held in place by hydrogen bonds and other weak forces. Computer models found two hydrogen bonds and one sulfur-based link keeping it attached to the DNA.
Cell death in culture
When human cells grown in the lab were exposed to about 5 mg/mL of acesulfame potassium for 48 hours, 85% of them died.
What the authors conclude
- They found that acesulfame potassium fits into a groove of the DNA molecule and is held there by hydrogen bonds and other forces.
- Their cell tests showed that about 5 mg/mL of the sweetener killed 85% of cultured human cells over 48 hours.
How it was done
Acesulfame potassium is a widely used artificial sweetener reported to interact with DNA and cause genetic damage. Scientists did not know how this interaction worked.
Researchers tested how acesulfame potassium interacts with DNA using light-based methods and computer models in the lab. They also exposed cultured human cells to the sweetener for 48 hours.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are lab tests on isolated DNA and cells in dishes. They cannot show what happens inside a living person who eats or drinks this sweetener.
- The amount used to kill cells in the lab may be very different from what reaches your cells when you consume it.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Razi University, Iran; Kermanshah University of Medical Science, Iran
The paper
- Title
- Evaluation of DNA damage induced by acesulfame potassium: spectroscopic, molecular modeling simulations and toxicity studies
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Hadidi S, Varmira K, Soltani L (2023). Evaluation of DNA damage induced by acesulfame potassium: spectroscopic, molecular modeling simulations and toxicity studies. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics. doi:10.1080/07391102.2022.2105955PubMed 35916031DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error