Toxicological Effects of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles on Rat Health: Assessing Physiological, Hematological, Biochemical, and Behavioral Parameters

Abstract

Introduction: Nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving field, has introduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as promising materials with diverse applications. Their unique properties have revolutionized industries, raising concerns about potential health implications. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the toxicological effects of AgNPs on rat health through a multidimensional approach, encompassing physiological, hematological, biochemical, and behavioral assessments. Methodology: Colloidal AgNPs with a minimum purity of 99.98% were synthesized using an inductive coupled plasma (ICP) method. Sixty male specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Wistar rats were exposed to low (10 μg/kg/day) and high (100 μg/kg/day) doses of AgNPs, alongside a control group. Throughout the exposure period, comprehensive assessments, including body weight changes, food intake, water consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, and behavioral evaluations, were systematically conducted. The statistical analysis employed a combination of one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests for robust data interpretation. Results: Rats exposed to low (10 μg/kg/day) and high (100 μg/kg/day) doses of AgNPs displayed no significant changes in food intake, water consumption, or blood parameters compared to the control group. However, a notable reduction in body weight was observed in the high-dose group, suggesting a potential dose-dependent impact. Biochemical analyses indicated no significant differences in liver and kidney function parameters for the low-dose group, but the high-dose group exhibited potential elevation in liver enzymes, necessitating further scrutiny. Behavioral assessments revealed no significant alterations in open-field behavior or cognitive function, indicating minimal impact on exploratory and cognitive abilities within the tested doses. Conclusion: AgNPs demonstrated minimal impact on certain parameters, the high-dose group exhibited notable body weight reduction and potential liver enzyme alterations, warranting further investigation. Behavioral assessments indicated no significant cognitive effects. These findings emphasize the importance of continued research for informed regulatory decisions and the safe utilization of AgNPs in consumer products.