BackgroundNanoparticles (Ag NPs) have recently received much attention for their possible applications in biotechnology and biomedical. However, little is known about the toxicity in reproductive organs of animal model following exposure to nanoparticles.ObjectiveThis study therefore, tried to examine the effects of nanoparticles with a diameter range of 5-20 nm on the histology of the testis of wistar rats and correlate it with Transmission Electron Microscopy results.Materials and methodsSixteen wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 rats each. Each group received the following via gavage technique for 90 days: Control Group (Group-1)-tap water; Experimental group (Group 2) - nanoparticles (20ug/kg/day). After ninety days (chronic study), rats were sacrificed and testis tissues was processed for histology and transmission electron microscopic study.ResultsThere was significant difference between the observations of group-1 and group 2. The changes observed in the testis were disarray of the spermatogenic cells and disorientation of the testis. These changes were observed to have been disappearing from normal histological features. Detailed structural damages were observed with TEM analysis, such as depletion of germ cells, germinal cells necrosis, especially in spermatogonia and Leydig cells had an abnormal fibroblast-like appearance, abnormal space between neighboring sertoli cells, mitochondria, lost cristae and vacuolated (none energized) with those animals exposed to nanoparticles.ConclusionIt seems that nanoparticles have acute and significant effects on spermatogenesis and number of spermatogenic cells. More experimental investigations are necessary to elucidate better conclusion regarding the safety of nanoparticles on male reproduction system.

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Introduction:Bhasma, an Ayurvedic metallo-mineral preparation, is claimed to be biologically produced nanoparticles. Rajata (silver) is a noble metal known for its antimicrobial activity. Rajata Bhasma (RB) is expected to be composed of nanoparticles. With all these facts in place, this study was conducted to evaluate RB for the presence of silver nanoparticle (SNP) and its antimicrobial effect.Aim:The aim of this study is to analyze the physicochemical characterization, antibacterial activity of RB, and SNP.Materials and Methods:RB was commercially ordered and SNP was prepared by Turkevich method. Characterization of RB was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). SNP was characterized by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ICP-AES. Antibacterial activity of RB and SNP was carried out by well-diffusion method.Results:Analysis of RB by SEM revealed particles in range from 10 to 60 nm. UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing SNPs showed absorption peak at around 423 nm. The TEM analysis showed that SNP was spherical in the range of 5–50 nm and uniformly distributed without significant agglomeration. The content of silver in RB measured with ICP-AES was found to be 70.56% whereas in case of SNP was 65.23%. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be sensitive to both RB and SNP. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis were found to be resistant to RB as well as SNP.Conclusion:The current study shows that RB does have silver particles in the size of nanometers and also has mild antibacterial activity.

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In the past few years, herbal medicines have gained popularity over synthetic drugs because of their natural source and minimal side effects which has led to a tremendous growth of phytopharmaceuticals usage. With the development of nanotechnology, it provides alternative approaches to overcome several limitations using nano-formulations. In spite of considerable quantity of antianemic preparations with different iron forms available, currently additives are used and represented in modern pharmaceutical market. Iron deficiency anemia is a major global public health problem which particularly affects pregnant women, children and elderly persons. The situation is complicated because of disadvantages and drug side effects from existing antianemic medicines. There is a great demand for the development of new antianemic preparations. Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles, possess high potential in this field. Methods: Our study focuses on developing green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) of 10-50 nm with spherical shape where different dosages were used-1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg for exposure in Wistar albino female rats for 28 days. The toxicity was assessed using various parameters such as measurements of the rat body and organ mass, hematology, biochemical evaluation and histopathological examinations. Results: No significant differences were observed in body and organ weights. Hematological indices also indicated no significant differences whereas biochemical factors showed increase in levels of direct bilirubin and globulin of medium as well as high dose and SGPT levels were increased only in high dose. The major organs (heart, kidney and liver) showed histopathological alterations in 10 and 100 mg/kg whereas brain showed only in 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: The toxicity of IONPs was found to be more significant when the concentration was increased; however, low doses can be used for further investigation as an antianemic preparation.

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Nanoparticles are increasingly used for biomedical purposes. In the past decades, much attention has been paid to toxicity assessment of nanoparticles prior to clinical and biological applications. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are being introduced into the consumer market significantly. Effects and accumulation patterns of IONPs were studied using zebrafish embryos. Nanoparticles of iron were synthesized by biological reduction of spinach, using 0.1 M Ferric Chloride. These nanoparticles were characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and AAS were found to have the size range of 100 to 250 nm. Fish (n=12/group) were exposed from 8hpf to 7dpf to 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L IONPs. The results showed that LC50 was found to be10 mg/L concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles. 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L concentrations showed developmental toxicity in these embryos, causing mortality, and hatching delay. This study is one of the first on developmental toxicity in zebra fish caused by using biologically synthesised iron oxide nanoparticles.