Synthesis, Characterization and Biocompatibility of Holmium Zirconate/Zinc Sulphide Nanocomposite in Albino Mice in a Gender Specific Manner

Abstract

Aim of this study was to report the biocompatibility of Holmium zirconate, zinc sulphide and holmium zirconate/zinc sulphide (HO2Zr2O7/ZnS) nanocomposite in albino mice. Holmium zirconate, zinc sulphide and holmium zirconate/zinc sulphide (Ho2Zr2O7/ZnS) nanocomposite were synthesized by, normal microemulsion, chemical co-precipitation and two step synthesis method, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the confirmation of phase while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used morphological analysis. The composition and the particle size distribution were confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy and particle size analysis respectively. Seven week old mice were divided into two groups in a gender specific manner: control group that were intraperitoneally injected with saline solution and treated group were administered with 50 mg/ml solvent/Kg body weight of Holmium zirconate/zinc sulphide nanocomposite for 22 days. A series of neurological tests, blood cell count, selected serum parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress were analysed in vital organs of both treatments. It was observed that nanocomposite treated female mice remained mobile (P = 0.05) for longer time while both male (P = 0.03) and female (P = 0.02) mice had more rotations than saline treated mice during open field test. Nanocomposite treated male had reduced stretch attend reflex during light dark box test. Blood and serum parameters remained unaffected (P ˃ 0.05) when compared between nanocomposite treated and untreated mice of both genders. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly elevated (P = 0.04) in liver of male while superoxide dismutase concentrations were significantly reduced (P = 0.05) in brain of female albino mice treated with nanocomposite than their respective control groups.