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Furxhi I, Faccani L, Zanoni I, Brigliadori A, Vespignani M, Costa AL. Design rules applied to silver nanoparticles synthesis: A practical example of machine learning application. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 25:20-33. [PMID: 38444982 PMCID: PMC10914561 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The synthesis of silver nanoparticles with controlled physicochemical properties is essential for governing their intended functionalities and safety profiles. However, synthesis process involves multiple parameters that could influence the resulting properties. This challenge could be addressed with the development of predictive models that forecast endpoints based on key synthesis parameters. In this study, we manually extracted synthesis-related data from the literature and leveraged various machine learning algorithms. Data extraction included parameters such as reactant concentrations, experimental conditions, as well as physicochemical properties. The antibacterial efficiencies and toxicological profiles of the synthesized nanoparticles were also extracted. In a second step, based on data completeness, we employed regression algorithms to establish relationships between synthesis parameters and desired endpoints and to build predictive models. The models for core size and antibacterial efficiency were trained and validated using a cross-validation approach. Finally, the features' impact was evaluated via Shapley values to provide insights into the contribution of features to the predictions. Factors such as synthesis duration, scale of synthesis and the choice of capping agents emerged as the most significant predictors. This study demonstrated the potential of machine learning to aid in the rational design of synthesis process and paves the way for the safe-by-design principles development by providing insights into the optimization of the synthesis process to achieve the desired properties. Finally, this study provides a valuable dataset compiled from literature sources with significant time and effort from multiple researchers. Access to such datasets notably aids computational advances in the field of nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Furxhi
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
- Transgero Limited, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lara Faccani
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanoni
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Brigliadori
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vespignani
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
| | - Anna Luisa Costa
- CNR-ISSMC (Former ISTEC), National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics, Faenza, Italy
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2
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Wang YL, Lee YH, Chou CL, Chang YS, Liu WC, Chiu HW. Oxidative stress and potential effects of metal nanoparticles: A review of biocompatibility and toxicity concerns. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123617. [PMID: 38395133 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, driving diverse applications across packaging, biomedicine, electronics, and environmental remediation. However, the potential health risks associated with M-NPs must not be disregarded. M-NPs' ability to accumulate in organs and traverse the blood-brain barrier poses potential health threats to animals, humans, and the environment. The interaction between M-NPs and various cellular components, including DNA, multiple proteins, and mitochondria, triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), influencing several cellular activities. These interactions have been linked to various effects, such as protein alterations, the buildup of M-NPs in the Golgi apparatus, heightened lysosomal hydrolases, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, cell membrane impairment, cytoplasmic disruption, and fluctuations in ATP levels. Despite the evident advantages M-NPs offer in diverse applications, gaps in understanding their biocompatibility and toxicity necessitate further research. This review provides an updated assessment of M-NPs' pros and cons across different applications, emphasizing associated hazards and potential toxicity. To ensure the responsible and safe use of M-NPs, comprehensive research is conducted to fully grasp the potential impact of these nanoparticles on both human health and the environment. By delving into their intricate interactions with biological systems, we can navigate the delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of M-NPs and minimizing potential risks. Further exploration will pave the way for informed decision-making, leading to the conscientious development of these nanomaterials and safeguarding the well-being of society and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Li Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lin Chou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hsin Kuo Min Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taoyuan City, 320, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Chang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan; Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chih Liu
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 114, Taiwan; Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Antai Medical Care Corporation Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung, 928, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, 912, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
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3
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Lenders V, Koutsoumpou X, Phan P, Soenen SJ, Allegaert K, de Vleeschouwer S, Toelen J, Zhao Z, Manshian BB. Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:4672-4724. [PMID: 37338993 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00574j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The biomedical use of nanoparticles (NPs) has been the focus of intense research for over a decade. As most NPs are explored as carriers to alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of associated drugs, the delivery of these NPs to the tissues of interest remains an important topic. To date, the majority of NP delivery studies have used tumor models as their tool of interest, and the limitations concerning tumor targeting of systemically administered NPs have been well studied. In recent years, the focus has also shifted to other organs, each presenting their own unique delivery challenges to overcome. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in leveraging NPs to overcome four major biological barriers including the lung mucus, the gastrointestinal mucus, the placental barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. We define the specific properties of these biological barriers, discuss the challenges related to NP transport across them, and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across the barriers and highlight some key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Lenders
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Xanthippi Koutsoumpou
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Philana Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Stefaan J Soenen
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, CN Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven de Vleeschouwer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Leuven Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Bella B Manshian
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Wu YH, Ho SY, Wang BJ, Wang YJ. Mechanisms of Nanotoxicology and the Important Role of Alternative Testing Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158204. [PMID: 35897780 PMCID: PMC9331988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hua Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Sheng-Yow Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 736, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan
| | - Bour-Jr Wang
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (B.-J.W.); (Y.-J.W.); Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5956) (B.-J.W.); +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5804) (Y.-J.W.); Fax: +886-6-208-5793 (B.-J.W.); +886-6-275-2484 (Y.-J.W.)
| | - Ying-Jan Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (B.-J.W.); (Y.-J.W.); Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5956) (B.-J.W.); +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5804) (Y.-J.W.); Fax: +886-6-208-5793 (B.-J.W.); +886-6-275-2484 (Y.-J.W.)
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5
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Domingues C, Santos A, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Concheiro A, Jarak I, Veiga F, Barbosa I, Dourado M, Figueiras A. Where Is Nano Today and Where Is It Headed? A Review of Nanomedicine and the Dilemma of Nanotoxicology. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9994-10041. [PMID: 35729778 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide nanotechnology development and application have fueled many scientific advances, but technophilic expectations and technophobic demands must be counterbalanced in parallel. Some of the burning issues today are the following: (1) Where is nano today? (2) How good are the communication and investment networks between academia/research and governments? (3) Is there any spotlight application for nanotechnology? Nanomedicine is a particular arm of nanotechnology within the healthcare landscape, focused on diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of emerging (such as coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and contemporary (including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer) diseases. However, it may only represent the bright side of the coin. In fact, in the recent past, the concept of nanotoxicology has emerged to address the dark shadows of nanomedicine. The nanomedicine field requires more nanotoxicological studies to identify undesirable effects and guarantee safety. Here, we provide an overall perspective on nanomedicine and nanotoxicology as central pieces of the giant puzzle of nanotechnology. First, the impact of nanotechnology on education and research is highlighted, followed by market trends and scientific output tendencies. In the next section, the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology dilemma is addressed through the interplay of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models with the support of omics and microfluidic approaches. Lastly, a reflection on the regulatory issues and clinical trials is provided. Finally, some conclusions and future perspectives are proposed for a clearer and safer translation of nanomedicines from the bench to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angel Concheiro
- Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, iMATUS, and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Barbosa
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Phamaceutical Chemistry Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília Dourado
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Health Studies and Research of the University of Coimbra (CEISUC), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Center for Studies and Development of Continuous and Palliative Care (CEDCCP), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Galenic and Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ. Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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6
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Mo F, Zhou Q, He Y. Nano-Ag: Environmental applications and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154644. [PMID: 35307428 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising bactericidal agents and plasmonic NPs for environmental applications, owing to their various favorable properties. For example, AgNPs enables reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and specific reaction selectivities. In fact, AgNPs-based materials and their antimicrobial, optical, and electrical effects are at the forefront of nanotechnology, having applications in environmental disinfection, elimination of environmental pollutants, environmental detection, and energy conversions. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the advanced applications and fundamental mechanisms to provide the guidelines for future work in the field of AgNPs implanted functional materials. The state-of-art terms including (photo)(electro)catalytic reactions, heterojunction formation, the generation and attacking of ROS, genetic damage, hot electron generation and transfer, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), plasmon resonance energy transfer (PERT), near field electromagnetic enhancement, structure-function relationship, and reaction selectivities have been covered in this review. It is expected that this review may provide insights into the rational development in the next generation of AgNPs-based nanomaterials with excellent performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Mo
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qixing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yuqing He
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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7
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Ahmad A. Safety and Toxicity Implications of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Nanocarriers on Reproductive Systems In Vitro and In Vivo. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:895667. [PMID: 35785262 PMCID: PMC9240477 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.895667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, nanotechnological advancements in engineered nanomaterials have demonstrated diverse and versatile applications in different arenas, including bio-imaging, drug delivery, bio-sensing, detection and analysis of biological macromolecules, bio-catalysis, nanomedicine, and other biomedical applications. However, public interests and concerns in the context of human exposure to these nanomaterials and their consequential well-being may hamper the wider applicability of these nanomaterial-based platforms. Furthermore, human exposure to these nanosized and engineered particulate materials has also increased drastically in the last 2 decades due to enormous research and development and anthropocentric applications of nanoparticles. Their widespread use in nanomaterial-based industries, viz., nanomedicine, cosmetics, and consumer goods has also raised questions regarding the potential of nanotoxicity in general and reproductive nanotoxicology in particular. In this review, we have summarized diverse aspects of nanoparticle safety and their toxicological outcomes on reproduction and developmental systems. Various research databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched for the last 20 years up to the date of inception, and nano toxicological aspects of these materials on male and female reproductive systems have been described in detail. Furthermore, a discussion has also been dedicated to the placental interaction of these nanoparticles and how these can cross the blood–placental barrier and precipitate nanotoxicity in the developing offspring. Fetal abnormalities as a consequence of the administration of nanoparticles and pathophysiological deviations and aberrations in the developing fetus have also been touched upon. A section has also been dedicated to the regulatory requirements and guidelines for the testing of nanoparticles for their safety and toxicity in reproductive systems. It is anticipated that this review will incite a considerable interest in the research community functioning in the domains of pharmaceutical formulations and development in nanomedicine-based designing of therapeutic paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, Chandigarh College of Pharmacy, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Mohali, India
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Anas Ahmad,
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8
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Lee YL, Shih YS, Chen ZY, Cheng FY, Lu JY, Wu YH, Wang YJ. Toxic Effects and Mechanisms of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Zebrafish Embryos in Aquatic Ecosystems. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12040717. [PMID: 35215043 PMCID: PMC8880218 DOI: 10.3390/nano12040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The global application of engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticles (ENPs) in commercial products, industry, and medical fields has raised some concerns about their safety. These nanoparticles may gain access into rivers and marine environments through industrial or household wastewater discharge and thereby affect the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on zebrafish embryos in aquatic environments. We aimed to characterize the AgNP and ZnONP aggregates in natural waters, such as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, and to determine whether they are toxic to developing zebrafish embryos. Different toxic effects and mechanisms were investigated by measuring the survival rate, hatching rate, body length, reactive oxidative stress (ROS) level, apoptosis, and autophagy. Spiking AgNPs or ZnONPs into natural water samples led to significant acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos, whereas the level of acute toxicity was relatively low when compared to Milli-Q (MQ) water, indicating the interaction and transformation of AgNPs or ZnONPs with complex components in a water environment that led to reduced toxicity. ZnONPs, but not AgNPs, triggered a significant delay of embryo hatching. Zebrafish embryos exposed to filtered natural water spiked with AgNPs or ZnONPs exhibited increased ROS levels, apoptosis, and lysosomal activity, an indicator of autophagy. Since autophagy is considered as an early indicator of ENP interactions with cells and has been recognized as an important mechanism of ENP-induced toxicity, developing a transgenic zebrafish system to detect ENP-induced autophagy may be an ideal strategy for predicting possible ecotoxicity that can be applied in the future for the risk assessment of ENPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ling Lee
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; (Y.-L.L.); (Y.-S.S.); (Z.-Y.C.); (J.-Y.L.)
- Department of Oncology, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Sheng Shih
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; (Y.-L.L.); (Y.-S.S.); (Z.-Y.C.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Zi-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; (Y.-L.L.); (Y.-S.S.); (Z.-Y.C.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Fong-Yu Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan;
| | - Jing-Yu Lu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; (Y.-L.L.); (Y.-S.S.); (Z.-Y.C.); (J.-Y.L.)
| | - Yuan-Hua Wu
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.W.); (Y.-J.W.); Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5804) (Y.-J.W.)
| | - Ying-Jan Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70428, Taiwan; (Y.-L.L.); (Y.-S.S.); (Z.-Y.C.); (J.-Y.L.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.W.); (Y.-J.W.); Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5804) (Y.-J.W.)
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