Comparison of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)and AgNO3toxic effects on Caenorhabditis elegans with a genetic disorder of copper metabolism

Relevance. AgNPs are widely used in various types of industry, but their safety for humans has not been strictly proven. The experimental data currently available on the comparison of the toxic effect of AgNPs and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) are contradictory and the question of the priority use of AgNPs remains open, especially for organisms with impaired copper metabolism.

The main aim of this study is to compare the effects of AgNPs and AgNO₃ on the nematode with normal and impaired copper metabolism and draw conclusions about their toxicity.

Methods. In this work, we determined the sublethal concentration (LC₅₀) of AgNPs and AgNO₃ for H828Q nematode strain. Using the results obtained, we performed the development assay, thrashing assay and lifespan analysis of the animals.

Results. It has been shown that LC₅₀ of AgNPs is lower than the one for AgNO₃, and nematodes with impaired copper metabolism treated with silver have a statistically significant reduction in development, level of mobility and lifespan, comparing to animals treated with AgNO₃.

Conclusion. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the toxic effect of AgNPs on C. elegans with a genetic defect in copper metabolism is higher comparing to ionic silver.