Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an ecotoxicological model for Nanomaterial induced toxicity profiling

Abstract

With the advancement of technologies, the evolution of nanoscience is occurring at a rapid pace. The demand for nanomaterials in various industries has increased. However, they may pose an increased risk upon exposure to living organisms, demanding toxicological studies. Although risk assessment of nanomaterials is a challenge due to their varieties in sizes and variability in properties, different methodologies of toxicity screenings have been used successfully to evaluate the potential risks. Although nanotechnology has contributed to technology development and well-being, information in these fields is still incomplete. Fortunately, those areas are under continuous research, and there are increasing experimental efforts in determining the environmental effects on humans exposed to nanoparticles. Since the field of nanotechnology is continuously expanding, we need medium-to high throughput nanotoxicity screenings to determine any potential risks caused by nanomaterials. Zebrafish, a well-established model for mammalian research, have advantages when used in these toxicity screenings. This review describes various kinds of toxicities induced in zebrafish embryos by different kinds of nanoparticles. A significant number of experimental data from toxicological studies are also presented that determine nanomaterials' effects, which can be modulated or further mitigated to create a positive impact on living organisms.

Molecular nanoinformatics approach assessing the biocompatibility of biogenic silver nanoparticles with channelized intrinsic steatosis and apoptosis

“…Abnormalities in the hatching rate of zebrafish embryos exposed to different types of metallic nanoparticles have been reported in previous studies. 11 The irregularities can be attributed to the hardening of chorion due to the structural and functional dysfunctionality of proteins such as He1a because of interaction with exposed nanoparticles. 60 Similarly, abnormal heart rate of embryos can be endorsed by hypoxic conditions created due to blockage of chorion due to the accumulation of nanoparticles at the surface.…”

“…10 However, issues have been raised regarding the fate of nanoparticles under the exact physiological conditions in humans and other living organisms. Considering the in vivo models, zebrafish has been proven as one of the promising options for toxicological assessment; 11 their embryonic stages are the choices for different experimental studies because of their high genetic similarities with humans and the ease of rearing at the lab scale. Thanks to their high fecundity, transparency of eggs and embryos, and small size and fast development, zebrafish embryos provide many benefits for use as a model in the laboratory for toxicity evaluation.…”

Oral Delivery of Silver Nanoparticles – A Review

“…In general, in vivo studies are undertaken in rodents, but in exceptional cases, studies with both zebrafish (Danio rerio) or Caenorhabditis elegans are also emerged as promising in vivo models for nanotoxicity research [50,51]. In vivo NPs toxicity research performed in rodents generally focused on (a) clinical signs and symptoms of toxicity, (b) adjustments in organ and tissue morphology, examined beneath microscopy, (c) changes in blood serum chemistry and cellular population, and (d) the general NP bio-distribution [52].…”

Altered electrochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles by carbon enhance molecular biocompatibility through discrepant atomic interaction

“…Hence, it can be hypothesized that the proposed carbon-modified Fe 3 O 4 -based nanoparticles will have a synergistic and reduced toxicological impact on biological entities due to alteration in electrochemical properties of Fe 3 O 4 by carbon modification. The hypothesis has been investigated in this report by evaluation of biocompatibility of synthesized nanomaterial with embryonic zebrafish model [ 26 ]. Moreover, the mechanism has also been investigated for better understanding of the biocompatibility at molecular and atomic level.…”