In-vitro Study on Genotoxicity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The wide use of metal nanoparticles has raised the concern of their release in the environment and their biological safety. The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as effective antimicrobial agent is also questioned due to the resistance developed by pathogens and the biosafety for the host. The genotoxicity caused by such particles need to be assessed to ensure that they are safe to use. In this study, green synthesized Ag NPs were used and the biosafety in terms of genotoxicity was evaluated by in vitro Chromosome aberration (CA) assay using short-term cultures of human peripheral blood. The physicochemical parameters of these Ag NPs were studied for stability in nano form. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out. The dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements revealed stable nano particles. The UV visible & fluorescence spectroscopy for binding affinity of Ag NPs did not suggest significant DNA interaction. The exposure of whole blood cultures to Ag NPs for 24 h showed dose dependent increase in frequency of CA per cell at 350, 650 and 1000 µL (P = NS, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). Our study demonstrates that genotoxicity of Ag NPs can be reduced by the use of green synthesized Ag NPs at low dose exposure, which will guide selecting right concentrations of NP for further in vivo studies, and future applications.