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Review
. 2021 Jun 14;22(12):6372.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22126372.

Toxicological Profile of Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Zebrafish Model

Marta d'Amora  1 , Vittoria Raffa  2 , Francesco De Angelis  1 , Francesco Tantussi  1
Affiliations
Review

Toxicological Profile of Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Zebrafish Model

Marta d'Amora et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Plasmonic nanoparticles are increasingly employed in several fields, thanks to their unique, promising properties. In particular, these particles exhibit a surface plasmon resonance combined with outstanding absorption and scattering properties. They are also easy to synthesize and functionalize, making them ideal for nanotechnology applications. However, the physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles can make them potentially toxic, even if their bulk metallic forms are almost inert. In this review, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential adverse effects of plasmonic nanoparticles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) during both development and adulthood, focusing our attention on the most common materials used, i.e., gold and silver.

Keywords: adulthood; development; gold; plasmonic nanoparticles; silver; toxicity; zebrafish.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Action mechanisms of nanoparticles on zebrafish. (A) Exposure of eggs to nanoparticles dissolved in embryo medium by simple soaking or direct microinjection; (B) uptake and internalization of nanoparticles in zebrafish eggs by passive diffusion through the chorion pores (500–700 nm); (C) nanoparticles enter the circulatory system and accumulate in different tissues and organs; (D) effects of nanoparticles on zebrafish at different levels: organism (developmental changes), cells (ROS generation and apoptosis), and organs (neurotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, and hepatotoxicity). Abbreviation: NPs: nanoparticles; ROS: reactive oxygen species.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Different factors influencing the gold nanoparticles’ toxicity: shape, size, functionalization, surface charge, and surface coatings. Abbreviations: shRNA: Short hairpin RNA; PEG: Poly (Ethylene Glycol); siRNA: Short interfering RNA.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Images of adult zebrafish: gills from (A) control sample and (B) treated with Ag-NPs, liver from control (C) control sample and (D) treated with Ag-NPs, and intestine (E) control sample and (F) treated with Ag-NPs. Reproduced with permissions from Devi, Aquatic Toxicology; published by Elsevier, 2015; Griffitt, Aquatic Toxicology; published by Elsevier, 2013; Osborne, ACS Nano; published by American Chemical Society 2015.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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