Effect of fluorescent silica nanoparticles in embryo and larva of Oryzias latipes: sonic effect in nanoparticle dispersion

Effects of plastic particles on aquatic invertebrates and fish - A review

This review summarises the current knowledge on the effects of microplastics and their additives on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly invertebrates and fish. To date, microplastics have been recognised to affect not only the behaviour of aquatic animals but also their proper development, causing variations in fertility, oxidative stress, inflammations and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and changes in metabolic pathways and gene expression. The ability of microplastics to bind other xenobiotics and cause combined toxicity along side the effect of other agents is also discussed as well. Microplastics are highly recalcitrant materials in both freshwater and marine environments and should be considered extremely toxic to aquatic ecosystems. They are severely problematic from ecological, economic and toxicological standpoints.

Aquatic ecotoxicity of manufactured silica nanoparticles: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Manufactured silica nanoparticles are used worldwide in large volumes for a variety of applications. An exposure of environmental organisms is therefore likely, and several data on the ecotoxicology of silica nanoparticles to different organisms have been published in recent years. This systematic review compiles and assesses these studies, in order to analyse the sensitivity distribution across different organisms. On this basis, maximum acceptable environmental concentrations are suggested and potential environmental risks are discussed. 1429 papers were retrieved from the scientific literature (Scopus), the U.S. ECOTOX knowledge database. 63 studies were finally included in the review and appraised according to the nanoCRED criteria. A total of 219 ecotoxicological endpoints recorded in 38 species (7 taxonomic groups) were condensed into a species sensitivity distribution. The resulting concentration that is hazardous for a maximum of 5% of exposed species (HC05) is 130 μg/L, from which a PNEC of 30 μg/L is estimated by applying an assessment factor of 5. These concentrations are 1-3 orders of magnitudes above the concentrations modelled to occur in European aquatic ecosystems. Algae and bacteria have a comparatively low sensitivity to MSNP exposure, likely because their cell wall forms a protective barrier against nanoparticle exposure. Similarly, embryonic stages of fish also show a comparatively low sensitivity due to the protection from their chorion. However, the fish species Labeo rohita and Oncorhynchus mykiss are among the most sensitive species. The ecotoxicity of silica nanoparticles is linked to the number of hydroxyl groups on their surface, corresponding to findings from human toxicological studies. It is recommended that future ecotoxicological studies use explicit concentration-response designs, use proven biocide-free testing material, comparatively apply mass and surface area as exposure metrics, and provide important metainformation in the study report.

Ecotoxicity of silica nanoparticles in aquatic organisms: An updated review

This review aims to (i) provide a current overview of the main characteristics of SiNP (physical and chemical properties, applications, and emissions), (ii) evaluate the scientific production up to date concerning SiNP, with focus on their toxic effects, through a bibliometric analysis, (iii) describe the main toxic mechanisms of SiNP, (iv) assess the current knowledge about ecotoxicity of SiNP on aquatic organisms (marine and freshwater), and (v) identify the main gaps in the knowledge of SiNP toxicity from an environmentally point of view. The scientific production of SiNP concerning their chemical and physical characteristics has increased exponentially. However, little information is available regarding their ecotoxicity. Particle functionalization is a key factor that reduces SiNP toxicity. Most of the studies employed standard species as test organisms, being the local/native ones poorly represented. Further studies employing long-term exposures and environmentally relevant concentrations are needed to deepen the knowledge about this emergent pollutant.

Oocyte exposure to ZnO nanoparticles inhibits early embryonic development through the γ-H2AX and NF-κB signaling pathways

The impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles on embryonic development following oocyte stage exposure are unknown and the underlying mechanisms are sparsely understood. In the current investigation, intact nanoparticles were detected in ovarian tissue in vivo and cultured cells in vitro under zinc oxide nanoparticles treatment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles exposure during the oocyte stage inhibited embryonic development. Notably, in vitro culture data closely matched in vivo embryonic data, in that the impairments caused by Zinc oxide nanoparticles treatment passed through cell generations; and both gamma-H2AX and NF-kappaB pathways were involved in zinc oxide nanoparticles caused embryo-toxicity. Copper oxide and silicon dioxide nanoparticles have been used to confirm that particles are important for the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The toxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles emanate from both intact nanoparticles and Zn²⁺. Our investigation along with others suggests that zinc oxide nanoparticles are toxic to the female reproductive system [ovaries (oocytes)] and subsequently embryo-toxic and that precaution should be taken regarding human exposure to their everyday use.

Synthesis of pH stable, blue light-emitting diode-excited, fluorescent silica nanoparticles and effects on cell behavior

To date, delivery of light-emitting diode (LED)-activated compounds to cells and tissue remains a challenge. Silica-based materials possess good biocompatibility and have advantages of control of size and shape. Fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized and used for applications such as cell tracking and tumor identification. Here, we report the synthesis and optimization of fluorescent silica NPs, which incorporate a naphthalimide dye with triethoxysilanes that are excited by the blue LED wavelength (LEDex NPs). The NPs can be imaged in the 420-470 nm wavelength, demonstrate a high quantum yield, are stable in a range of pH, and are taken into the cells. Therefore, these NPs represent a novel imaging technology for biomedical applications.

The Impact of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Bacillus pumilus As Antimicrobial and Nematicide

This study evaluates the potential application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial or nematicidal agents produced by the extremophile Bacillus pumilus, which was isolated from the alkaline Wadi El-Natrun Lake in Egypt. The AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The size of AgNPs formed ranged from 20.12 to 29.48 nm. Panagrellus redivivus was exposed to different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/mL) of AgNPs in a 5 mL nematode suspension (1 × 103 mL-1). The best result occurred at AgNP concentrations of 150 and 200 μg/mL, with death rates of 80 and 91%, respectively, following 48 h of exposure. AgNPs also exhibited potent antimicrobial properties when using Gram-negative and Gram-positive human pathogens, with MIC and MBC values of 5 and 10 μg/mL, respectively. These laboratory assays prove that biologically synthesized AgNPs are an ecofriendly material that can be used in lieu of solvents or toxic chemicals.

Continuous ultraviolet irradiation increases the adverse effects of photoreactive nanoparticles on the early development of Oryzias latipes

The present study investigated the toxicity of photoreactive nanoparticles (NPs) on the development of Oryzias latipes. Buoyant fish embryos are potentially vulnerable to sunlight-derived ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in surface water easily absorb UV irradiation from transmitted solar light. In the present study, O. latipes were exposed to ZnO NPs under irradiation with UV or visible light. The ZnO NPs exhibited considerable toxicity toward embryos and sac fry following UV irradiation, and these toxic effects resulted in increased mortality and abnormalities. The UV irradiation induced more serious effects on embryos than did visible light irradiation, and embryonic exposure resulted in irreversible developmental impairment or death of sac fry. The adverse effects of ZnO NPs may result from Zn ions released from photoreactive ZnO NPs. The present study demonstrates photo-dependent developmental impairment of O. latipes embryos as a result of exposure to ZnO NPs. The results demonstrate that the toxicity of photoreactive ZnO NPs could vary under environmentally relevant UV irradiation. These data could serve as a guide for evaluation of the toxicity of photo-activated NPs in natural surface waters and could be useful for the ecological risk assessment of photoreactive NPs.

Effects of metal nanoparticles on the lateral line system and behaviour in early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The unique physicochemistry and potential toxicity of manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) requires innovative approaches for the assessment of toxicity to aquatic organisms. Here, the toxicity of Cu-NPs, Ag-NPs and TiO2-NPs on the lateral line system of free-swimming zebrafish embryos was investigated and compared to appropriate metal salts or bulk material controls. Fish were exposed for 4h at 96-h post-fertilization. Metal salt (CuSO4 and AgNO3) controls reduced the number of functional lateral line neuromasts (LLN) to <5% of unexposed controls, but no effect on LLN was observed for TiO2-NPs or Ag-NPs. Exposure to Cu-NPs caused only a 15% reduction in LLN. Performance of positive rheotaxis was reduced by Cu-NPs, Ag-NPs, and the metal salt controls. The data show that some metal NPs can affect LLN and fish behaviour (rheotaxis) important for survival, and that effects were different from those of comparable metal ion controls. Capsule: We demonstrate that behaviour is a particularly sensitive indicator of metal NP exposure in fish and highlight the interaction between behaviour and external tissue surfaces.

Bio-active engineered 50 nm silica nanoparticles with bone anabolic activity: therapeutic index, effective concentration, and cytotoxicity profile in vitro

Silica-based nanomaterials are generally considered to be excellent candidates for therapeutic applications particularly related to skeletal metabolism however the current data surrounding the safety of silica based nanomaterials is conflicting. This may be due to differences in size, shape, incorporation of composite materials, surface properties, as well as the presence of contaminants following synthesis. In this study we performed extensive in vitro safety profiling of ∼ 50 nm spherical silica nanoparticles with OH-terminated or Polyethylene Glycol decorated surface, with and without a magnetic core, and synthesized by the Stöber method. Nineteen different cell lines representing all major organ types were used to investigate an in vitro lethal concentration (LC) and results revealed little toxicity in any cell type analyzed. To calculate an in vitro therapeutic index we quantified the effective concentration at 50% response (EC50) for nanoparticle-stimulated mineral deposition activity using primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The EC50 for BMSCs was not substantially altered by surface or magnetic core. The calculated Inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) for pre-osteoclasts was similar to the osteoblastic cells. These results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of certain silica-based nanomaterial formulations for use in treating bone diseases based on a favorable in vitro therapeutic index.

Interaction of silver nanoparticles with biological surfaces of Caenorhabditis elegans

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being used in an increasing number of industrial and commercial applications; this has resulted in an increased release of AgNPs into the environment. Understanding the interaction of AgNPs with biological surfaces is important, as such understanding will facilitate predictions of the further effects of nanoparticles on biological systems. This study highlights the interaction of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (cAgNPs) with the biological surfaces of the nematode C. elegans. General toxicity, as proxied by factors such as mortality and reproduction, was evaluated in nematode growth medium (NGM), which provides a more homogeneous distribution of cAgNPs than in K-medium. The survival and reproduction of C. elegans evidenced a clear reduction in up to 100 mg/L and 10 mg/L of cAgNPs, respectively. We also noted significant interactions of cAgNPs with the biological surfaces of C. elegans. Severe epidemic edema and burst were detected in the exposure group, which may be associated with secondary infections in soil ecosystems. We observed no evidence of cAgNPs intake by C. elegans. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report to investigate the nanotoxicity of cAgNPs as related to biological surfaces of C. elegans; further research is needed to study the fate of cAgNPs inside of C. elegans.