Toxicity evaluation of gold nanoparticles using an Allium cepa bioassay

Abstract

The size- and dose-dependent cytogenetic effects of gold NPs were evaluated for the first time by a simple and cost-effective Allium cepa (A. cepa) bioassay.

Safety evaluation of green synthesizedCola nitidapod, seed and seed shell extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using anAllium cepaassay

“…The accumulation of silver compounds within the cells might also result in the generation of reactive oxygen species, which could decrease the mitotic index. Accumulation of TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 and AuNPs within the cells of A. cepa was found to have resulted in the generation of reactive oxygen species and was suggested to decrease the MI values [46][47][48]. Complete cell cycle arrest, which indicates the cessation of cell division, as observed for the highest concentrations at 72 h for the three nanoparticles used, further corrobo-rates their cytotoxicity.…”

Cytogenetic effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on Allium cepa roots

“…In both the cases sticky anaphase is the common observation. In the previous literatures [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], the findings were highlighted as sticky chromosomes, disturbed metaphase, micronuclei, decrease of MI index, bridge anaphase, laggard chromosome etc. are the common for both silver and gold nanoparticles in A. cepa.…”

Engineered Gold Nanoparticles and Plant Adaptation Potential

“…Shah and Belozerova [ 68 ] have shown that gold nanoparticles induce toxicity in plants by inhibiting aquaporin function. In general, loss of plant productivity due to stress is an outcome of imbalance in cellular ionic and osmotic balances which restrict photosynthesis by decreasing the abundance of green pigments causing stomatal closure and oxidative stress, thereby resulting in the formation of ROS such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen, which can damage the mitochondria and chloroplasts by disrupting cellular structures [ 47 , 69 , 71 , 72 ]. ROS deteriorate membrane function, enhance membrane lipid peroxidation and cause electrolyte leakage [ 47 , 72 ].…”

“…In general, loss of plant productivity due to stress is an outcome of imbalance in cellular ionic and osmotic balances which restrict photosynthesis by decreasing the abundance of green pigments causing stomatal closure and oxidative stress, thereby resulting in the formation of ROS such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen, which can damage the mitochondria and chloroplasts by disrupting cellular structures [ 47 , 69 , 71 , 72 ]. ROS deteriorate membrane function, enhance membrane lipid peroxidation and cause electrolyte leakage [ 47 , 72 ]. Marambio-Jones and Hoek [ 73 ] have reported that biomolecules such as proteins, glycoprotein, lipids, fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids and sugars strongly control the free radical formation.…”