查看文章

The biocidal effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-np) has resulted in their incorporation into consumer products. While the population exposed to Ag-np continues to increase with ever new applications, Ag-np remains a controversial research area with regard to their toxicity in biological systems. Here a genotoxic and cytotoxic approach was employed to elucidate the activity of Ag-np in vitro and in vivo. Characterization of Ag-np using scanning electron microscopy revealed a size range of 90–180 nm. Cytotoxic potential of Ag-np was evaluated in human lymphocytes via cell viability assay (Trypan blue dye exclusion method, MTT and WST assay). The uptake and incorporation of Ag-np into the lymphocytes was confirmed by flow cytometry. Additionally apoptosis (AnnexinV-FITC–PI staining) and DNA strand breaks (comet assay) in human lymphocytes revealed that Ag-np at concentration 25 μg/ml can cause …