Toxic Effects Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes immune damage, oxidative stress and intestinal flora disruption in salamander (Andrias davidianus) larvae

The toxic effects of nanoparticles have been increasingly investigated, but there has been limited research on amphibians, especially those of conservation value. This study examined the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.04, 0.2, 1, 5 mg/L) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 80 nm) on the short-term exposure (7 d) of Andrias davidianus. Results demonstrated the concentration-dependent enrichment of PS-NPs in the intestine. Histological lesions displayed increased hepatic macrophages with cellular rupture, broken intestinal villi, decreased cuprocytes and crypt depression. Antioxidant- and inflammation-related enzyme activities were analysed, and it was found that hepatic and intestinal MDA content and CAT activity were highest in the N-1 group and SOD activity was highest in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). AKP activity continued to decline, and iNOS activity was highest in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). il-10, tgf-β, bcl-w and txnl1 were significantly downregulated in the N-0.2 group, while il-6 and il-8 were markedly upregulated in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). Exposing to PS-NPs decreased probiotic bacteria (Cetobacterium, Akkermansia) and increased pathogenic bacteria (Lachnoclostridium). Our results suggest that NPs exposure can have deleterious effects on salamanders, which predicts that NPs contamination may lead to continued amphibian declines. Therefore, we strongly recommend that attention be paid to amphibians, especially endangered species, in the field of NPs.

Nanoparticles-mediated entomotoxicology: lessons from biologica.

Nanotechnology has grown in importance in medicine, manufacturing, and consumer products. Nanoparticles (NPs) are also widely used in the field of insect pest management, where they show a variety of toxicological effects on insects. As a result, the primary goal of this review is to compile and evaluate available information on effects of NPs on insects, by use of a timely, bibliometric analysis. We also discussed the manufacturing capacity of NPs from insect tissues and the toxic effects of NPs on insects. To do so, we searched the Web of Science database for literature from 1995 to 2023 and ran bibliometric analyses with CiteSpace© and Bibliometrix©. The analyses covered 614 journals and identified 1763 relevant documents. We found that accumulation of NPs was one of the top trending topics. China, India, and USA had the most published papers. The most overall reported models of insects were those of Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito), Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito), Bombyx mori (silk moth), and Anopheles stephensi (Asian malaria mosquito). The application and methods of fabrication of NPs using insect tissues, as well as the mechanism of toxicity of NPs on insects, were also reported. A uniform legal framework is required to allow nanotechnology to fully realize its potential while minimizing harm to living organisms and reducing the release of toxic metalloid nanoparticles into the environment.

Fabrication of SnS (NF)/Ag (NW) composite and investigation of its photothermal properties in destroying HeLa cell line

The photothermal effect is a special type of photoactivation based on the non-radiative conversion of absorbed electromagnetic energy, increases the body's temperature. One of the important applications of photothermal is photothermal therapy (PTT) to destroy cancer cells. In this article, SnS nanoflowers (NF) and Ag nanowires (NW) were synthesized by solvothermal method. They were composited together with different mass ratios and characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS analysis. The optical band gap was calculated 2.62 eV using UV–vis spectrum. The photothermal properties of these nanoparticles were investigated using an 808 nm laser at different concentrations and different laser powers. SnS/Ag composites with different mass ratios were tested and the highest temperature increase of 42.8 °C was observed for a ratio of 17:1 under 1 W/cm2 laser radiation. The photothermal conversion efficiency of SnS (NF) and its composite with Ag (NW) was calculated as 56.32 % and 67.7 %, respectively. The toxicity effect of nanoparticles and laser on HeLa cancer cells was investigated by MTT method. It was observed that during 5 and 10 min of laser irradiation, with the presence of SnS (NF), 94.7 % and 95.7 %, and for its composite with Ag(NW), respectively, 95 % and 95.8 % of HeLa cancer cells were destroyed.

In English

This article analyses some literature data and the authors’ developments in the technology of creating of therapeutic depots in the form of films, dispersions of metal oxides and textiles with immobilized biocompatible silver nanoparticles (NPs) in the structure of SiO2, TiO2, cotton, biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, lignin, etc.), that have biocidal action, and future trends in this area. We and other researchers have developed methods for the synthesis of photocatalytically active TiO2 and SiO2 films, modified with gold/silver/copper NPs, suitable for medical use. An economical and simple low-temperature methods of manufacturing antimicrobial textiles by photo- or thermal activation and the possibility of their multiple use have been developed. The production of biomedical textiles is recently focused on the widespread use of non-toxic biopolymers, combined with textile. We have obtained compositions based on nanodispersed silica with polysaccharide sodium alginate and silver NPs with pronounced hemostatic and bactericidal properties. Obtaining a hybrid material based on a bactericidal textile combined with a dispersed oxide is promising for additional absorption of toxins and wound cleaning. The creation of such universal multifunctional materials includes their high bactericidal and antiviral multiply use. Hybrid materials based on metal NPs in the structure of carriers of different nature as films and dispersions of biocompatible oxides, biopolymers, textiles have a protection against possible toxic effects of nanoparticles and metal ions, self-cleaning capability, photocatalytic, hemostatic properties, temperature resistance, and other. The development and application of such materials is growing rapidly. So, materials based on Ag/SiO2 dispersions have high antibacterial and antiviral action (single application). Ag/SiO2 films can act as durable antibacterial cover. There is an enhancement in the antibacterial properties of Ag-TiO2 NPs under visible light irradiation and the photocatalytic effect under UV light (single application in the powder form). Self-cleaning, antimicrobial and UV-protective properties have Ag-TiO2 NPs in textile. Cotton modified with MeNPs demonstrates high efficiency of destruction of bacteria E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. aerogenes, P. vulgaris, S. aureus, C. albicans, etc., with saving of biocidal activity after 5 cycles of washing. The dynamics of silver ions release from the surface of NPs in the structure of textile upon their contact with water for 72 hours have been studied. The number of irreversibly bound particles in textile structure is sufficient for subsequent use. Modified fabrics are reusable. Composites based on metal NPs in the structure of silica or titania in the presence of biopolymers are effective hemostatic agents with a bactericidal effect. Sodium alginate has a reducing and stabilizing effect on nanoparticles, and silica prevents agglomeration of metal NPs in the resulting composite. However, it is quite difficult to satisfy the numerous target requirements for biomedical nanomaterials based on metal NPs in the composition of dispersed oxides as well as textiles and/or biopolymers (“all in one”) to obtain a single universal multifunctional material that does not lose its properties during operation. It makes more sense to produce composites for purpose targeted applications, such as bactericidal and antiviral, hydrophobic coatings for laboratory surfaces, package and so on. Researches in this area are in progress.

Investigating the anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles containing 6-gingerol modified with chitosan and folate

Abstract Objective The use of nanocarriers to improve the targeting of treatment plays a key role in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. This study was carried out to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) containing 6-gingerol (Ging) modified with chitosan (CS)-folic acid (FA) nanoparticles (Ging-GO-CS-FA) to improve the anti-cancer effects of Ging. Methods After the synthesis of nanoparticles, the average size, surface charge, and dispersion index (DPI) of nanoparticles were analyzed by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to assess the morphology and functional groups of synthesized nanoparticles, respectively. The 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was performed to assess the toxicity effect of nanoparticles on different types of cancer cells. The antioxidant power of nanoparticles was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH methods. In addition, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test was conducted to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of nanoparticles. Finally, the real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) method was carried out to detect the changes in the expression of angiogenic and antioxidant genes in cancer cells. Results The nanoparticles have an average size of 73.21 nm, a DPI of 0.27, and a surface charge of 29.5. The encapsulation rate of Ging in nanoparticles was reported to be 81.7%. According to the MTT test, the most sensitive cell line to the Ging-GO-CS-FA nanoparticles was reported to be gastric cancer cells (IC50 ~ 27). The results of the antioxidant test showed the high antioxidant power of nanoparticles in the laboratory environment by inhibiting ABTS and DPPH free radicals. The pro-oxidant power of Ging-GO-CS-FA against cancer cells was confirmed by reducing the amount of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene in the treated cells. The decreasing effects of Ging-GO-CS-FA on angiogenesis were observed by reducing the average length, the number of blood vessels, average height, and weight of treated embryos. In addition, the decrease in the expression of VEGF and VEGF-R genes confirmed the anti-angiogenic of Ging-GO-CS-FA. Conclusions These results show the promising effect of Ging-GO-CS-FA on gastric cancer cells by inhibiting angiogenesis and increasing the level of oxidants.

Toxicity and Mechanisms of Engineered Nanoparticles in Animals with Established Allergic Asthma.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is highly sensitive to environmental pollutants, including engineered nanoparticles (NPs). Exposure to NPs has become a growing concern for human health, especially for susceptible populations. Toxicological studies have demonstrated strong associations between ubiquitous NPs and allergic asthma. In this review, we analyze articles that focus on adverse health effects induced by NPs in animal models of allergic asthma to highlight their critical role in asthma. We also integrate potential mechanisms that could stimulate and aggravate asthma by NPs. The toxic effects of NPs are influenced by their physicochemical properties, exposure dose, duration, route, as well as the exposure order between NPs and allergens. The toxic mechanisms involve oxidative stress, various inflammasomes, antigen presenting cells, immune cells, and signaling pathways. We suggest that future research should concentrate on establishing standardized models, exploring mechanistic insights at the molecular level, assessing the combined effects of binary exposures, and determining safe exposure levels of NPs. This work provides concrete evidence of the hazards posed by NPs in animals with compromised respiratory health and supports the modifying role of NPs exposure in allergic asthma.

In vitro and in vivo study on the anticancer effects of anethole-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles surface decorated with chitosan and folic acid

Anethole (Ant) is a herbal compound with unique properties, which is limited in its clinical use due to its low solubility in aqueous solutions. Therefore, in this study, albumin nanocarrier modified with chitosan-folate was used to transfer Ant to cancer cells and its anticancer effects were evaluated. First, Ant was loaded on albumin nanoparticles by desolvation method and then the surface of nanoparticles was covered with chitosan bound to folate. After characterization, the amount of Ant loading in nanoparticles was measured by the absorption method and then its toxicity effects on breast cancer cell lines, colon, and normal cells were evaluated by the MTT method. The real-time QPCR method was used to investigate the expression changes of apoptosis-related genes in the treated cells compared to the control cells, and finally, the antitumor effects of nanoparticles were evaluated in the mouse model carrying breast cancer. The results of this investigation showed the presence of nanoparticles with dimensions of 252 nm, a dispersion index of 0.28 mV, and a surface charge of 27.14 mV, which are trapped in about 88% of ATL. The toxicity effect of nanoparticles was shown on breast, colon, and normal cancer cells, respectively. In addition, the examination of the gene profile under investigation showed an increase in the expression of BAX and caspase-3 and -9 along with a decrease in the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, which confirms the activation of the internal pathway of apoptosis. The decrease in the volume of tumors and the presence of apoptotic areas in the tissue sections confirmed the antitumor effects of nanoparticles in the in vivo model. The inhibition percentage of free Ant and nanoparticles with a concentration of 25 and 50 mg/kg/tumor volume was reported as 36.9%, 56.6%, and 64.9%, respectively, during 15 days of treatment. These results showed the effectiveness of the formulation in inhibiting cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.

The state of metabolic parameters of the blood in white rats under conditions of long-term oral administration of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles under food stress

The prohibition of using antibiotics with growth-stimulating properties in the European Union led to the search for new, safer, more effective, and cheaper feed additives. One of these substances was rare earth elements (REE, atomic numbers 57–71) due to their low toxicity and protective and antioxidant properties. At the same time, higher efficiency of organic forms of REE was noted. Thanks to this, it is possible to assume their even more pronounced effect in nano-sized form as feed additives and the need to conduct research in this direction. Therefore, this work aims to study the metabolic parameters of the blood in rats under long-term oral administration of nanoparticles of one of the representatives of rare earth elements – gadolinium orthovanadate (NP GdVO4:Eu3+) under food stress. Experimental samples of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles activated by Europium (spindle-shaped geometry; size 8×25 nm; initial concentration 1.0 g/dm3) were used in work. Experimental studies on rats were carried out based on the vivarium of the NSC “IEKVM”. The object of research was 140 mature male Wistar rats with an initial weight of 180–200 g. Four groups of animals, 35 rats each, were formed according to the principle of analogs. During the experiment, animals of the control group received drinking water without additives; rats of the І experimental group were given a solution of NP GdVO4:Eu3+ at a dose of 0.2 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.03 mg/kg of body weight); II research group – at a dose of 1.0 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.15 mg/kg of body weight) and rats of III research group – at a dose of 2.0 mg/dm3 (≈ 0.30 mg/kg of body weight). Drinking was carried out for 56 days, then it was completed, and the rats were observed for another 14 days. A nutritionally unbalanced diet was used as a stress factor. Taking into account the results of biochemical studies, the adaptogenic effect of NP GdVO4:Eu3+ in the range of doses of 0.2–1.0 mg/dm3 of drinking water (≈ 0.03–0.15 mg/kg of body weight) on the body of white rats was established under conditions of food stress with optimal duration of action – 28–42 days. Under the conditions of administration at a dose of 2.0 mg/dm3 of drinking water (≈ 0.30 mg/kg of body weight), a hepatic(cyto-)toxic effect of nanoparticles was detected, which was accompanied by an irreversible decrease in the structural indicators of lipid metabolism, the consumption of antioxidant resources and the induction of intensity processes of lipid peroxidation against the background of alanine aminotransferase hyperenzymemia.

Overlooked Spherical Nanoparticles Exist in Plant Extracts: From Mechanism to Therapeutic Applications.

To date, plant medicine research has focused mainly on the chemical compositions of plant extracts and their medicinal effects. However, the therapeutic or toxic effects of nanoparticles in plant extracts remain unclear. In this study, large numbers of spherical nanoparticles were discovered in some plant extracts. Nanoparticles in Turkish galls extracts were used as an example to examine their pH responsiveness, free radical scavenging, and antibacterial capabilities. By utilizing the underlying formation mechanism of these nanoparticles, a general platform to produce spherical nanoparticles via direct self-assembly of Turkish gall extracts and various functional proteins was developed. The results showed that the nanoparticles retained both the antibacterial ability and intracellular carrier ability of the original protein or catechol. This work introduces a new member of the plant-derived edible nanoparticle (PDEN) family, establishes a simple and versatile platform for mass production nanoparticles, and provides new insight into the formation mechanism of nanoparticles during plant extraction.

Reasons for different environmental effects of technogenic nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron sized 20-90 nm at concentrations of 0.1-100 g of nanoparticles per ton of seeds were studied. The objects of environmental monitoring were bacterial populations and the family of earthworms (Lumbricina). The toxic effect of nanoparticles under natural conditions depended both on physical-chemical properties of NPs and the type of soil, and on the size, concentration of NPs, and pH of nanoparticle suspensions. When measuring the zeta potential of NPs in aqueous solutions, a decrease in pH of the suspensions due to their composition and size was recorded. There was a direct correlation between the energy produced in cells, which was necessary for the development of living systems, and the increase in the number of protons under the influence of nanoparticles. At NPs sizes less than 20 nm, nanoparticles were much more reactive. They exhibited high biological activity and were safe only at very low concentrations. At concentrations above 10 g/t, they inhibited the growth and development of plants and reduced the survival of microorganisms. It was noted that the ecological effect of NPs oxides was different from the behavior of metal NPs. They accumulated in a living organism, exhibited toxic properties, and were transported along trophic chains, which was not typical for metal nanoparticles. It should be noted that zinc oxide was more soluble than titanium dioxide and had a low aggregation value. Thus, such characteristics as solubility and the ability to aggregate in solutions are important for the environmental safety of NPs.

Anti-Toxoplasma Activity of Tellurium Oxide (TeO2) Nanoparticle on Toxoplasma gondii In vitro

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite in humans and many warm-blooded animals worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the different antiparasitic effects of tellurium oxide (TeO2) nanoparticles against T. gondii. Methods: In this study, we used tachyzoite assay (ocular counting test) to determine the lethal effect of tellurium nanoparticles on parasites. Toxic effects of nanoparticles on macrophages were also evaluated using MTT assay. The type of parasitic cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Results: According to the examination of the parasites by light microscopy, TeO2 nanoparticles had destructive and lethal effects on T. gondii. The results of the MTT assay showed that the toxic effects on macrophages were more significant at high concentrations (400 μg/mL). Flow cytometric analysis also estimated the percentage of apoptosis (primary and secondary) of the parasites at 56.97%. Conclusions: According to the findings, tellurium Oxide nanoparticles have a toxic effect on T. gondii and lead to apoptosis in this parasite. This research boosts different tests in another parasite.

Applications and Immunological Effects of Quantum Dots on Respiratory System.

Quantum dots (QDs), are one kind of nanoscale semiconductor crystals with specific electronic and optical properties, offering near-infrared mission and chemically active surfaces. Increasing interest for QDs exists in developing theranostics platforms for bioapplications such as imaging, drug delivery and therapy. Here we summarized QDs’ biomedical applications, toxicity, and immunological effects on the respiratory system. Bioapplications of QDs in lung include biomedical imaging, drug delivery, bio-sensing or diagnosis and therapy. Generically, toxic effects of nanoparticles are related to the generation of oxidative stresses with subsequent DNA damage and decreased lung cells viability in vitro and in vivo because of release of toxic metal ions or the features of QDs like its surface charge. Lastly, pulmonary immunological effects of QDs mainly include proinflammatory cytokines release and recruiting innate leukocytes or adaptive T cells.

Carbon Black Nanoparticles Selectively Alter Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Expression in vitro and in vivo in Female Mice.

Toxic effects of nanoparticles on female reproductive health have been documented but the underlying mechanisms still need to be clarified. Here, we investigated the effect of carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs) on the pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are key regulators of gonadal gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. To that purpose, we subjected adult female mice to a weekly non-surgical intratracheal administration of CB NPs at an occupationally relevant dose over 4 weeks. We also analyzed the effects of CB NPs in vitro, using both primary cultures of pituitary cells and the LβT2 gonadotrope cell line. We report here that exposure to CB NPs does not disrupt estrous cyclicity but increases both circulating FSH levels and pituitary FSH β-subunit gene (Fshb) expression in female mice without altering circulating LH levels. Similarly, treatment of anterior pituitary or gonadotrope LβT2 cells with increasing concentrations of CB NPs dose-dependently up-regulates FSH but not LH gene expression or release. Moreover, CB NPs enhance the stimulatory effect of GnRH on Fshb expression in LβT2 cells without interfering with LH regulation. We provide evidence that CB NPs are internalized by LβT2 cells and rapidly activate the cAMP/PKA pathway. We further show that pharmacological inhibition of PKA significantly attenuates the stimulatory effect of CB NPs on Fshb expression. Altogether, our study demonstrates that exposure to CB NPs alters FSH but not LH expression and may thus lead to gonadotropin imbalance.

Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials Using Plant Extract: A Review.

For the last two decades, extensive research is conducted on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and their application in the field of medical, cosmetics, catalysts, packaging, photonics, agriculture and electronics. However, these nanoparticles show toxicity to the environmental, human and animal health. The toxicity effects of nanoparticles are mainly due to their size, which can easily pass through physiological barriers and also due to the synthesis procedure. The toxicity due to their size cannot be avoided, but toxicity due to the synthesis process can be nullified by adopting the biosynthesis process. Bacteria, fungus, fish scales, plant extracts and algae are used to synthesize metal and metal- oxide nanoparticles such as silver, gold, iron-oxide, zinc-oxide, zirconia, etc. For the last few years, researchers have been working on synthesis methods of plant extracts to produce stable, cost-effective and economical nanoparticles. In this review, we focus on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using different parts of plant extracts. The review contains a summary of selected papers from 2018-20 with a detailed description of the process of synthesis, mechanism, characterization and their application in various fields of biosynthesized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles.

Nanotechnological Manipulation of Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals for Healthy Purposes: Established Advantages vs. Still Undefined Risks.

Numerous foods, plants, and their bioactive constituents (BACs), named nutraceuticals and phytochemicals by experts, have shown many beneficial effects including antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. Producers, consumers, and the market of food- and plant-related compounds are increasingly attracted by health-promoting foods and plants, thus requiring a wider and more fruitful exploitation of the healthy properties of their BACs. The demand for new BACs and for the development of novel functional foods and BACs-based food additives is pressing from various sectors. Unfortunately, low stability, poor water solubility, opsonization, and fast metabolism in vivo hinder the effective exploitation of the potential of BACs. To overcome these issues, researchers have engineered nanomaterials, obtaining food-grade delivery systems, and edible food- and plant-related nanoparticles (NPs) acting as color, flavor, and preservative additives and natural therapeutics. Here, we have reviewed the nanotechnological transformations of several BACs implemented to increase their bioavailability, to mask any unpleasant taste and flavors, to be included as active ingredients in food or food packaging, to improve food appearance, quality, and resistance to deterioration due to storage. The pending issue regarding the possible toxic effect of NPs, whose knowledge is still limited, has also been discussed.

Recent Patents, Regulatory Issues, and Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Neuronal Disorders.

Form last few decades, nanoparticles have witnessed breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological disorders due to their unique physiochemical properties, which make them an effective drug delivery system. However, there is not much information available on the toxicity of nanoparticles in neuronal disorders. The toxic effect of nanoparticles on brain disorders and their regulatory issues are the primary concerns of the healthcare industry. A strategical literature search was performed on various bibliographic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Medline, Google Patent, Derwent Innovation, and Orbit Intelligence for retrieval of peer-reviewed articles and patents on regulatory issues and toxicity of nanoparticles in neuronal disorders for last decade. The relevant hits of articles and patents were analyzed, and citation search for the relevant documents was carried out. The literature documents have been summarized regarding the existing regulatory issues and toxicity of nanoparticles on neuronal disorders with a focus on the detailed mechanism of the developmental toxicity of nanoparticles. The focus of this report is to emphasize the negative effects of nanoparticle on neuronal disorders, which may partially contribute to the management of toxicity of nanoparticles. Although nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties that explain the broad range of application for the central nervous system, they can also manifest neurotoxic effects due to cell necrosis, generation of free radicals, immune responses and neuroinflammation. Thus, this review highlights risk assessment, safety regulations and regulatory guidelines of nanoparticles, which may reduce adverse reactions in humans and animals.

Microorganisms as Nano-factories for the Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles applications have revolutionized different areas of the research. These include medicine, surgery, drug delivery, wastewater treatment, agriculture, cancer therapy, etc. The use of nanoparticles is increasing day by day due to their promising characteristics. With the excessive use of the nanoparticles, their accumulation in the organisms and different environments have been reported. A very high increase in the accumulation and toxicity of nanoparticles has been reported in the last decade. Therefore, the nanoparticle research has now been shifted to find new techniques and methods to minimize the toxic effects of nanoparticles. In this context, the requirement of a safe design approach and the generation of fewer toxic nanoparticles are required. One of the eco-friendly approaches for safer nanoparticles synthesis is the use of living organisms for nanoparticles production. Microbes especially, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, are considered safe, secure, and efficient systems for nanoparticle biosynthesis. This review is an attempt to understand the potential of microbes for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles.

Perspectives of Nanoparticles in Male Infertility: Evidence for Induced Abnormalities in Sperm Production

Advancement in the field of nanotechnology has prompted the need to elucidate the deleterious effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on reproductive health. Many studies have reported on the health safety issues related to NPs by investigating their exposure routes, deposition and toxic effects on different primary and secondary organs but few studies have focused on NPs’ deposition in reproductive organs. Noteworthy, even fewer studies have dealt with the toxic effects of NPs on reproductive indices and sperm parameters (such as sperm number, motility and morphology) by evaluating, for instance, the histopathology of seminiferous tubules and testosterone levels. To date, the research suggests that NPs can easily cross the blood testes barrier and, after accumulation in the testis, induce adverse effects on spermatogenesis. This review aims to summarize the available literature on the risks induced by NPs on the male reproductive system.

Green synthesis of nanomaterials: An overview

Nanotechnology has grabbed the attention of Chemists, Physicists, Biologists and Engineers by synthesizing nanoparticles with escalated properties than bulk materials. These nanoparticles find varied applications with certain modifications in their surface morphology. Physical and chemical route of synthesis of nanomaterials over a number of years in the recent past have authenticated harmful toxic effects on humans. This scenario powered the researchers to lean towards green synthesis of nanoparticles. This new method of synthesis shows decrease in toxic effects of nanoparticles over the environment and humans by integrating the available metabolites in biological extracts making them biocompatible. This review analyses the various methods of utilizing biological extracts for the synthesis nanoparticles and their advantages.

Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles from Environment and Indoor / Outdoor Workplaces

Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles from Environment and Indoor / Outdoor Workplaces