Influences of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Allium cepa root cells and the primary cause of phytotoxicity

Toxicological effects of nanoparticles in plants: Mechanisms involved at morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has led to unprecedented innovations across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, electronics, textiles, and food, owing to the unique properties of nanoparticles. The extensive production and unregulated release of synthetic nanoparticles may contribute to nanopollution within the ecosystem. In the agricultural sector, nanotechnology is increasingly utilized to improve plant productivity, enhance resistance to stressors, and reduce the usage of chemicals. However, the uncontrolled discharge of nanoparticles into the natural environment raises concerns regarding possible plant toxicological impacts. The review focuses on the translocation of these particles within the plants, emphasizing their phytotoxicological effects at morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Eventhough the beneficial aspects of these nanoparticles are evident, excessive usage of nanoparticles at higher concentrations may lead to potential adverse effects. The phytotoxicity resulting from excessive amounts of nanoparticles affects seed germination and biomass production, disrupts the photosynthesis system, induces oxidative stress, impacts cell membrane integrity, alters gene expression, causes DNA damage, and leads to epigenetic variations in plants. Nanoparticles are found to directly associate with the cell membrane and cell organelles, leading to the dissolution and release of toxic ions, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress. The present study signifies and accumulates knowledge regarding the application of nanoparticles in agriculture and illustrates a clear picture of their possible impacts on plants and soil microbes, thereby paving the way for future developments in nano-agrotechnology. The review concludes by addressing current challenges and proposing future directions to comprehend and mitigate the possible biological risks associated with nanoparticles in agriculture.

ZnO quantum dots alleviate salt stress in Salvia miltiorrhiza by enhancing growth, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and modulating stress-responsive genes

Experiments were conducted to investigate the alleviating effects of ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) on salt stress in Salvia miltiorrhiza by comparing them with conventional ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The results demonstrated that compared with salt stress alone, foliar application of ZnO QDs significantly improved the biomass as well as the total chlorophyll and carotenoids contents under salt stress. ZnO QDs reduced H2O2 and MDA levels, decreased non-enzymatic antioxidant (ASA and GSH) content, and improved antioxidant enzyme (POD, SOD, CAT, PAL, and PPO) activity under salt stress. Metal elemental analysis further demonstrated that the ZnO QDs markedly increased Zn and K contents while decreasing Na content, resulting in a lower Na/K ratio compared to salt stress alone. Finally, RNA sequencing results indicated that ZnO QDs primarily regulated genes associated with stress-responsive pathways, including plant hormone signal transduction, the MAPK signaling pathway, and metabolic-related pathways, thereby alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress. In comparison, ZnO NPs did not exhibit similar effects in terms of improving plant growth, enhancing the antioxidant system, or regulating stress-responsive genes under salt stress. These findings highlight the distinct advantages of ZnO QDs and suggest their potential as a valuable tool for mitigating salt stress in plants.

Ecotoxic effect in Allium cepa due to sphalerite weathering arising in calcareous conditions

The ecotoxic effect of Zn species arising from the weathering of the marmatite-like sphalerite ((Fe, Zn)S) in Allium cepa systems was herein evaluated in calcareous soils and connected with its sulfide oxidation mechanism to determine the chemical speciation responsible of this outcome. Mineralogical analyses (X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy), chemical study of leachates (total Fe, Zn, Cd, oxidation-reduction potential, pH, sulfates and total alkalinity) and electrochemical assessments (chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were carried out using (Fe, Zn)S samples to elucidate interfacial mechanisms simulating calcareous soil conditions. Results indicate the formation of polysulfides (Sn2-), elemental sulfur (S0), siderite (FeCO3)-like, hematite (Fe2O3)-like with sorbed CO32- species, gunningite (ZnSO4·H2O)-like phase and smithsonite (ZnCO3)-like compounds in altered surface under calcareous conditions. However, the generation of gunningite (ZnSO4·H2O)-like phase was predominant bulk-solution system. Quantification of damage rates ranges from 75 to 90% of bulb cells under non-carbonated conditions after 15-30 days, while 50-75% of damage level is determined under neutral-alkaline carbonated conditions. Damage ratios are 70.08 and 30.26 at the highest level, respectively. These findings revealed lower ecotoxic damage due to ZnCO3-like precipitation, indicating the effect of carbonates on Zn compounds during vegetable up-taking (exposure). Other environmental suggestions of the (Fe, Zn)S weathering and ecotoxic effects under calcareous soil conditions are discussed.

Efficacy of zinc-based nanoparticles in alleviating the abiotic stress in plants: current knowledge and future perspectives

Due to sessile, plants are unable to avoid unfavorable environmental conditions which leads to inducing serious negative effects on plant growth, crop yield, and food safety. Instead, various approaches were employed to mitigate the phytotoxicity of these emerging contaminants from the soil-plant system. However, recent studies based on the exogenous application of ZnO NPs approve of their important positive potential for alleviating abiotic stress-induced phytotoxicity leads to ensuring global food security. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the promising role of ZnO NPs as alone or in synergistic interactions with other plant growth regulators (PGRs) in the mitigation of various abiotic stresses, i.e., heavy metals (HMs), drought, salinity, cold and high temperatures from different crops. ZnO NPs have stress-alleviating effects by regulating various functionalities by improving plant growth and development. ZnO NPs are reported to improve plant growth by stimulating diverse alterations at morphological, physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels under abiotic stress factors. We have explained the recent advances and pointed out research gaps in studies conducted in earlier years with future recommendations. Thus, in this review, we have also addressed the opportunities and challenges together with aims to uplift future studies toward effective applications of ZnO NPs in stress management.

Biogenic Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by the Extract of Terminalia catappa Fruit Pericarp and Its Multifaceted Applications

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were biosynthesized by using the pericarp aqueous extract from Terminalia catappa Linn. These NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and XRD studies of the nanoparticles reported mean size as 12.58 nm nanocrystals with highest purity. Further SEM analysis emphasized the nanoparticles to be spherical in shape. The functional groups responsible for capping and stabilizing the NPs were identified with FTIR studies. DLS studies of the synthesized NPs reported ζ potential as -10.1 mV and exhibited stable colloidal solution. These characterized ZnO-NPs were evaluated for various biological applications such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, genotoxic, biocompatibility, and larvicidal studies. To explore its multidimensional application in the field of medicine. NPs reported a potential antimicrobial activity at a concentration of 200 μg/mL against bacterial strains in the decreasing order of Streptococcus pyogenes > Streptococcus aureus > Streptococcus typhi > Streptococcus aeruginosa and against the fungi Candida albicans. In vitro studies of RBC hemolysis with varying concentrations of NPs confirm their biocompatibility with IC50 value of 211.4 μg/mL. The synthesized NPs' DPPH free radical scavenging activity was examined to extend their antioxidant applications. The antiproliferation and genetic toxicity were studied with meristematic cells of Allium cepa reported with mitotic index (MI index) of 1.2% at the concentration of 1000 μg/mL. NPs exhibited excellent Larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae with the highest mortality rate as 98% at 4 mg/L. Our findings elicit the therapeutic potentials of the synthesized zinc oxide NPs.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Affect Early Seedlings' Growth and Polar Metabolite Profiles of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The growing interest in the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in agriculture creates a risk of soil contamination with ZnO NPs, which can lead to phytotoxic effects on germinating seeds and seedlings. In the present study, the susceptibility of germinating seeds/seedlings of pea and wheat to ZnO NPs of various sizes (≤50 and ≤100 nm) applied at concentrations in the range of 100-1000 mg/L was compared. Changes in metabolic profiles in seedlings were analyzed by GC and GC-MS methods. The size-dependent harmful effect of ZnO NPs on the seedling's growth was revealed. The more toxic ZnO NPs (50 nm) at the lowest concentration (100 mg/L) caused a 2-fold decrease in the length of the wheat roots. In peas, the root elongation was slowed down by 20-30% only at 1000 mg/L ZnO NPs. The metabolic response to ZnO NPs, common for all tested cultivars of pea and wheat, was a significant increase in sucrose (in roots and shoots) and GABA (in roots). In pea seedlings, an increased content of metabolites involved in the aspartate-glutamate pathway and the TCA cycle (citrate, malate) was found, while in wheat, the content of total amino acids (in all tissues) and malate (in roots) decreased. Moreover, a decrease in products of starch hydrolysis (maltose and glucose) in wheat endosperm indicates the disturbances in starch mobilization.

Potential ecotoxicity of substrate-enriched zinc oxide nanoparticles to Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles

Although the ecotoxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have already been reported in different taxa, little is known about their impacts on amphibians. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the potential effects of exposure of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles to substrates enriched with ZnO NPs (and with its ionic counterpart, Zn+2, ZnCl2 - both at 100 mg/kg) previously used in the cultivation of Panicum maximum (Guinea grass). We showed that although exposure for 21 days did not impact the survival, growth, and development of tadpoles, we noted an increase in the frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities in the "ZnCl2" and "ZnONP" groups, which was associated with suppression of antioxidant activity in the animals (inferred by SOD and CAT activity and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity). In the tadpoles of the "ZnONP" group, we also noticed a reduction in creatinine and bilirubin levels, alpha-amylase activity, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. But the treatments did not alter the activity of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase and total protein and carbohydrate levels. On the other hand, we report a cholinesterase and hypotriglyceridemic effect in the "ZnCl2" and "ZnONP" groups. Zn bioaccumulation in animals, from ZnO NPs, from Zn+2 released from them, or both, has been associated with causing these changes. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) and the values of the "Integrated Biomarker Response" index revealed that the exposure of animals to substrates enriched with ZnO NPs caused more pronounced effects than those attributed to its ionic counterpart. Therefore, our study reinforces the need to consider the environmental risks of using these nanomaterials for agricultural purposes for amphibians.

Critical Review on Nutritional, Bioactive, and Medicinal Potential of Spices and Herbs and Their Application in Food Fortification and Nanotechnology

Medicinal or herbal spices are grown in tropical moist evergreen forestland, surrounding most of the tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Himalayas in India (Sikkim, Darjeeling regions), Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, a few Central Asian countries, Middle East, USA, Europe, South East Asia, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the cultivation region surrounded, economic value, and vogue, these spices can be classified into major, minor, and colored tropical spices. In total, 24 tropical spices and herbs (cardamom, black jeera, fennel, poppy, coriander, fenugreek, bay leaves, clove, chili, cassia bark, black pepper, nutmeg, black mustard, turmeric, saffron, star anise, onion, dill, asafoetida, celery, allspice, kokum, greater galangal, and sweet flag) are described in this review. These spices show many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and antioxidant activities. Numerous bioactive compounds are present in these selected spices, such as 1,8-cineole, monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, linalool, malabaricone C, safrole, myristicin, elemicin, sinigrin, curcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, crocin, picrocrocin, quercetin, quercetin 4'-O-β-glucoside, apiol, carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, galactomannan, rosmarinic acid, limonene, capsaicinoids, eugenol, garcinol, and α-asarone. Other than that, various spices are used to synthesize different types of metal-based and polymer-based nanoparticles like zinc oxide, gold, silver, selenium, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles which provide beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, enzyme retardation effect, and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles can also be used in environmental pollution management like dye decolorization and in chemical industries to enhance the rate of reaction by the use of catalytic activity of the nanoparticles. The nutritional value, phytochemical properties, health advantages, and both traditional and modern applications of these spices, along with their functions in food fortification, have been thoroughly discussed in this review.

The behavior, transport, and positive regulation mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles in a plant-soil-microbe environment

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been widely used in several fields, and they have the potential to be a novel fertilizer to promote plant growth. For the effective use of ZnO NPs, it is necessary to understand their influence mechanisms and key interactions with the soil physical and biological environment. In this review, we summarize the fate and transport of ZnO NPs applied via soil treatment or foliar spray in plant-soil systems and discuss their positive regulation mechanisms in plants and microbes. The latest research shows that the formation, bioavailability, and location of ZnO NPs experience complicated changes during the transport in soil-plant systems and that this depends on many factors. ZnO NPs can improve plant photosynthesis, nutrient element uptake, enzyme activity, and the related gene expression as well as modulate carbon/nitrogen metabolism, secondary metabolites, and the antioxidant systems in plants. Several microbial groups related to plant growth, disease biocontrol, and nutrient cycling in soil can be altered with ZnO NP treatment. In this work, we present a systematic comparison between ZnO NP fertilizer and conventional zinc salt fertilizer. We also fill several knowledge gaps in current studies with the hope of providing guidance for future research.

Assessment of the biological effect of metal ions and their complexes using Allium cepa and Artemia salina assays: a possible environmental implementation of biological inorganic chemistry

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to the elevated concentration of a variety of contaminants, such as metal ions, poses a threat to humankind, as these ecosystems are in high relevance with human activities and survivability. The exposure in heavy metal ions is responsible for many severe chronic and pathogenic diseases and some types of cancer as well. Metal ions of the groups 11 (Cu, Ag, Au), 12 (Zn, Cd, Hg), 14 (Sn, Pb) and 15 (Sb, Bi) highly interfere with proteins leading to DNA damage and oxidative stress. While, the detection of these contaminants is mainly based on physicochemical analysis, the chemical determination, however, is deemed ineffective in some cases because of their complex nature. The development of biological models for the evaluation of the presence of metal ions is an attractive solution, which provides more insights regarding their effects. The present work critically reviews the reports published regarding the toxicity assessment of heavy metal ions through Allium cepa and Artemia salina assays. The in vivo toxicity of the agents is not only dose depended, but it is also strongly affected by their ligand type. However, there is no comprehensive study which compares the biological effect of chemical agents against Allium cepa and Artemia salina. Reports that include metal ions and complexes interaction with either Allium cepa or Artemia salina bio-indicators are included in the review.

Nanomaterials Induced Genotoxicity in Plant: Methods and Strategies

In recent years, plant-nanomaterial interactions have been studied, highlighting their effects at physiological and molecular levels. Transcriptomics and proteomics studies have shown pathways and targets of nanomaterial exposure and plant response, with particular regard to abiotic stress and oxidative stress. Only little information has been reported on engineered nanomaterial (ENMs) interactions with plant genetic material, both at a genomic and organellar DNAs level. Plants can be useful experimental material, considering they both contain chloroplast and mitochondrial DNAs and several plant genomes have been completely sequenced (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana, Solanum lycoperiscum, Allium cepa, Zea mays, etc.). In this mini review, the methods and the evidence reported in the present literature concerning the level of genotoxicity induced by ENMs exposure have been considered. Consolidated and potential strategies, which can be applied to assess the nanomaterial genotoxicity in plants, are reviewed.

Fate, bioaccumulation and toxicity of engineered nanomaterials in plants: Current challenges and future prospects

The main focus of this review is to discuss the current advancement in nano-metallic caused phytotoxicity on living organisms and current challenges in crops. Nanostructured materials provide new tools in agriculture to boost sustainable food production, but the main concern is that large-scale production and release of nanomaterials (NMs) into the ecosystem is a rising threat to the surrounding environment that is an urgent challenge to be addressed. The usage of NMs directly influences the transport pathways within plants, which directly relates to their stimulatory/ inhibitory effects. Because of the unregulated nanoparticles (NMs) exposure to soil, they are adsorbed at the root surface, followed by uptake and inter/intracellular mobility within the plant tissue, while the aerial exposure is taken up by foliage, mostly through cuticles, hydathodes, stigma, stomata, and trichomes, but the actual mode of NMs absorption into plants is still unclear. NMs-plant interactions may have stimulatory or inhibitory effects throughout their life cycle depending on their composition, size, concentration, and plant species. Although many publications on NMs interactions with plants have been reported, the knowledge on their uptake, translocation, and bioaccumulation is still a question to be addressed by the scientific community. One of the critical aspects that must be discovered and understood is detecting NMs in soil and the uptake mechanism in plants. Therefore, the nanopollution in plants has yet to be completely understood regarding its impact on plant health, making it yet another artificial environmental influence of unknown long-term consequences. The present review summarizes the uptake, translocation, and bioaccumulation of NMs in plants, focusing on their inhibitory effects and mechanisms involved within plants.

Responses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants to Engineered Nanoparticles

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used by mankind since ancient times. This is primarily due to their healing effects associated with their specific secondary metabolites (some of which are also used as drugs in modern medicine), or their structures, served as a basis for the development of new effective synthetic drugs. One way to increase the production of these secondary metabolites is to use nanoparticles that act as elicitors. However, depending on the specific particle size, composition, concentration, and route of application, nanoparticles may have several other benefits on medicinal and aromatic plants (e.g., increased plant growth, improved photosynthesis, and overall performance). On the other hand, particularly at applications of high concentrations, they are able to damage plants mechanically, adversely affect morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants, and show cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial and adverse effects of metal-, metalloid-, and carbon-based nanoparticles on the germination, growth, and biochemical characteristics of a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants, including the corresponding mechanisms of action. The positive impact of nanopriming and application of nanosized fertilizers on medicinal and aromatic plants is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the effects of various nanoparticles on the production of valuable secondary metabolites in these plants cultivated in hydroponic systems, soil, hairy root, or in vitro cultures. The beneficial impact of nanoparticles on the alleviation of abiotic stresses in medicinal and aromatic plants is also discussed.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Damage Tobacco BY-2 Cells by Oxidative Stress Followed by Processes of Autophagy and Programmed Cell Death

Nanomaterials, including zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), have a great application potential in many fields, such as medicine, the textile industry, electronics, and cosmetics. Their impact on the environment must be carefully investigated and specified due to their wide range of application. However, the amount of data on possible negative effects of ZnO NPs on plants at the cellular level are still insufficient. Thus, we focused on the effect of ZnO NPs on tobacco BY-2 cells, i.e., a widely accepted plant cell model. Adverse effects of ZnO NPs on both growth and biochemical parameters were observed. In addition, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species visualizations confirmed that ZnO NPs may induce oxidative stress. All these changes were associated with the lipid peroxidation and changes in the plasma membrane integrity, which together with endoplasmatic reticulum and mitochondrial dysfunction led to autophagy and programmed cell death. The present study demonstrates that the phytotoxic effect of ZnO NPs on the BY-2 cells is very complex and needs further investigation.

Genotoxicity study of nano Al2O3, TiO2 and ZnO along with UV-B exposure: An Allium cepa root tip assay

The present effort aims to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic impact of three widely used nanoparticles (ZnO, TiO₂ and Al₂O₃) on root cells of Allium cepa as a test organism. The root tip of Allium cepa were treated with three different concentrations (0.1 10 and 100 mg/L) of the above-mentioned NPs and the observations were recorded after proper growth of root under both nanoparticle solutions and UV-B exposure in combined conditions and separately. The parameters such as mitotic index, various forms of chromosomal aberrations, various reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation such as superoxide radical (O^-_2·), hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical (·OH), lipid peroxidation and bio-uptake of nanoparticles were assessed. The results revealed that for all the three nanoparticles, mitotic index (MI) was highly reduced in comparison to control. Among the three nanoparticles, the MI value of TiO₂ was 59.5% at 0.1 mg/L. Chromosomal aberration data suggest that nano Al₂O₃ exhibited disturbed metaphase at 0.1 mg/L, and abnormal anaphase and sticky metaphase at 10 and 100 mg/L, respectively. Similarly, lagged metaphase and anaphase with multiple chromatin bridges were recorded for both nano ZnO and nano TiO₂ at 0.1 mg/L. But, nonsignificant (p > 0.05) results were recorded between only nano metal oxide and UV-B along with nano metal oxide. ROS generation data revealed that ZnO is more active under UV-B than TiO₂ and Al₂O_3. The cellular deformation and the existence of metal in A. cepa under nano ZnO, TiO₂ and Al₂O₃ treatment were evaluated by Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) study, respectively. It may safely be concluded that with respect to chromosomal aberration and mitotic index, out of the three nanoparticles, Al₂O₃ is the most severe at higher concentrations and nano ZnO shows lowest mitotic index under UV-B exposure.

Effect of Ag-doping on cytotoxicity of SnO2 nanoparticles in tobacco cell cultures

SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are promising materials for electrochemical, catalytic, and biomedical applications due to their high photosensitivity, suitable stability characteristics, wide band gap energy potential, and low cost. Doping SnO2 NPs with metallic elements such as Ag has been used to improve their efficiency. Despite their commercial importance, the current literature lacks investigations to determine their toxic effects on plant systems. In this study, SnO2 and Ag/SnO2 NPs were synthesized using polymer pyrolysis method and characterized by means of XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, and DLS techniques. Subsequently, the toxicity of the synthesized NPs on cell viability, cell proliferation, and a number of oxidative stress markers were measured in tobacco cell cultures. SnO2 and Ag/SnO2 NPs were found to be polygonal in shape with the size range of 10-30 nm. Both NPs induced cytotoxicity by reducing the cell viability and cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the generation of H2O2, phenolics, flavonoids, and increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were observed. According to the results, Ag-doping played a key role in the induction of toxicity in tobacco cell cultures. The obtained results confirmed that SnO2 and Ag/SnO2 NPs induced cytotoxicity in tobacco cells through oxidative stress.

First report on the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of Zno nanoparticles in reptiles

Understanding how human activities affect animal biodiversity is essential to investigations about the biological effects of several pollutants and contaminants dispersed in the environment. This is the case of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which are emerging pollutants whose effect on reptiles' health is completely unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the possible damages induced by these NPs in Podocnemis expansa juveniles (Amazon turtle) by using morphological changes of circulating erythrocytes as nuclear toxicity biomarker. The animals were exposed to the intramuscular administration of 440 μg/kg and 440,000 μg/kg of ZnO NPs, for 10 consecutive days. The micronuclei assay and other nuclear abnormalities were performed at the end of the experiment, as well as different morphometric measurements applied to the erythrocytes. Based on the current data, ZnO NPs induced nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei and binucleation, which are associated with carcinogenic processes and with flaws in the mitotic machinery. The low "nuclear area: erythrocyte area" ratio and larger cytoplasmic area observed for animals exposed to NPs evidenced erythrocytic change induction likely related to negative energy balance/metabolism interferences and/or to oxygen transportation efficiency by erythrocytes. This is the first report on the mutagenic and cytotoxic effect induced by NPs on representatives of a group of reptiles. This outcome suggests that further investigations must focus on better understanding the (eco)toxicological potential of ZnO NPs.