COPPER (II) OXIDE NANOPARTICLES TOXICITY AND POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH HAZARDS

Abstract

Introduction: Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are used in various spheres of economic activity, which provides an increase in the global production of this nanomaterial and products containing it. The wide distribution of CuO NPs increases the risk of their pollution of environmental objects, which in turn can lead to exposure of the population warranting research on physical and toxic parameters of CuO NPs. Aim: Scientific forecasting of toxicity and evaluation of potential hazard of the biological action of CuO NPs for human health. Methods: Forecasting toxicity and assessment of potential hazard was carried out according to the results of forecasting-analytical modeling complexes of indicators characterizing physico-chemical, molecular biological, cytological, physiological and ecological properties with calculation coefficients of hazard (D) and incompleteness of data evaluation (U) of nanoscale CoO. Particle size was establishment by the method of scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area - by the method of Brunauer, Emmet and Teller, shape and surface character - by the method of image analysis using the universal software ImageJ-FiJi. Results: CuO NPs have an average size of 45,86 nm, angular shape, rough surface with a specific area of 17,70 m2/g. Solubility, charge, adsorption capacity and resistance to aggregation of CuO NPs depend on the pH of the medium. Nanoparticles of the studied material have the ability to generate reactive oxygen species, destroy cell membrane, disrupt functions of cellular ultrastructures, cause disruption of proteomic profile and damage of proteins, DNA fragmentation, which leads to cell death. CuO NPs have the ability to causing pathomorphological changes of tissues of liver, kidney, gastric and lungs. Have such long-term effects of action: genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity. CuO NPs are used in many areas of economic activity, due to which the volume of production of this nanomaterial increases, which can contribute to the exposure of the human population throughout the country. Based on the results of forecasting modeling the coefficient of potential hazard (D) CuO NPs was 2.163; the coefficient of incompleteness of the assessment (U) - 0.03, which confirms the reliability of the assessment. Conclusions: CuO NPs are highly likely to represent a significant risk for human health. The results warrant more toxicological studies and further research on the effect of CuO NPs depending on the route of intake with the further going aim to develop effective preventive measures for the exposed.