Use of Zebrafish Larvae as a Multi-Endpoint Platform to Characterize the Toxicity Profile of Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanomaterials are being extensively produced and applied in society. Human and environmental exposures are, therefore, inevitable and so increased attention is being given to nanotoxicity. While silica nanoparticles (NP) are one of the top five nanomaterials found in consumer and biomedical products, their toxicity profile is poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of silica nanoparticles with diameters 20, 50 and 80 nm using an in vivo zebrafish platform that analyzes multiple endpoints related to developmental, cardio-, hepato-, and neurotoxicity. Results show that except for an acceleration in hatching time and alterations in the behavior of zebrafish embryos/larvae, silica NPs did not elicit any developmental defects, nor any cardio- and hepatotoxicity. The behavioral alterations were consistent for both embryonic photomotor and larval locomotor response and were dependent on the concentration and the size of silica NPs. As embryos and larvae exhibited a normal touch response and early hatching did not affect larval locomotor response, the behavior changes observed are most likely the consequence of modified neuroactivity. Overall, our results suggest that silica NPs do not cause any developmental, cardio- or hepatotoxicity, but they pose a potential risk for the neurobehavioral system.

In vitro and in vivo characteristics of biogenic high surface silica nanoparticles in A549 lung cancer cell lines and Danio rerio model systems for inorganic biomaterials development

“…No significant developmental defects and malformations are seen in either concentration of SNPs. These results are correlated with the studies of chemically synthesized SNPs and fluorescent SNPs used for embryonic toxicity which shows significant embryonic toxicity [28,29]. However, in our study, bamboo leaf derived amorphous silica particles exhibits better biocompatibility and nontoxic effect in terms of zebrafish embryonic toxic assays in the early developmental stages.…”

Effects of Amorphous Silica Nanopowders on the Avoidance Behavior of Five Soil Species—A Screening Study

“…In terms of manufacture processes, SiO 2 NPs are among the top five nanomaterials in commercial products. These nanomaterials, namely in a powdered form, have found relevant properties that make SiO 2 NPs useful in chemical, biotechnological and plastic manufacturing industries, electronics, biomedicine and agriculture [2][3][4]. However, the large-scale production of SiO 2 NPs have raised also concerns about their potential adverse effects, namely due to accumulation in specific environments [5].…”

“…Previous studies have investigated the effects of SiO 2 NPs in different soil and aquatic organisms [4,[10][11][12], however, the knowledge about the impact of SiO 2 NPs exposure is still limited, namely on soil organisms. Moreover, contradictory results have been reported regarding the effects of SiO 2 NPs on survival; some studies reported no effects on Enchytraeus crypticus, Caenorhabditis elegans, Daphnia magna and Danio rerio [4,11,12], while others reported decreased survival on D. magna and D. rerio [13,14]. Regarding the effects of SiO 2 NPs on the behavior of the organisms, the few studies available mostly agree that these nanomaterials have adverse effects in this endpoint, by altering the locomotion pattern and reducing the speed of movements of C. elegans [15].…”

“…Regarding the effects of SiO 2 NPs on the behavior of the organisms, the few studies available mostly agree that these nanomaterials have adverse effects in this endpoint, by altering the locomotion pattern and reducing the speed of movements of C. elegans [15]. Color preference, photomotor and locomotor activities were also affected in D. rerio [3,4,13].…”

Folic acid-nanoscale gadolinium-porphyrin metal-organic frameworks: fluorescence and magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging and photodynamic therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Zebrafish are oviparous organisms with external fertilization, transparent eggs, and temporospatial development pattern. [3][4][5][6] Studies have revealed that zebrafish can spontaneously develop a variety of tumors, which can be induced either by chemical mutagen exposure or with transgenic techniques. 7 Several models have been generated successfully, including models of leukemia, melanoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.…”