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A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice
Published on: October 13, 2018
Appropriate in vitro methods for genotoxicity testing of silver nanoparticles
Ha Ryong Kim1, Yong Joo Park, Da Young Shin
1School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
Environmental Health and Toxicology
|February 27, 2013
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) showed genotoxic effects in mammalian cells, causing DNA damage and micronucleus formation. However, they were not mutagenic in bacterial tests, and cytochalasin B use may affect genotoxicity results.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are increasingly used, necessitating an understanding of their potential health risks.
- Genotoxicity testing is crucial for evaluating the safety of nanomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genotoxic effects of 40-59 nm Ag-NPs using bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, in vitro comet assay, and micronucleus (MN) assay.
- To compare the influence of cytochalasin B (cytoB) and rat liver homogenate (S9 mix) on Ag-NP-induced MN formation.
Main Methods:
- Ag-NPs were characterized for size and dispersion.
- Genotoxicity was assessed using Ames test, comet assay, and MN assay in mammalian cells.
- The role of S9 mix and cytoB in MN assay was specifically compared.
Main Results:
- Ag-NPs did not exhibit mutagenic effects in the Ames test with or without S9 mix.
- Ag-NPs induced DNA breakage and MN formation in a dose-dependent manner in mammalian cells, irrespective of S9 mix.
- Cytochalasin B influenced MN induction by Ag-NPs.
Conclusions:
- Ag-NPs demonstrate genotoxic potential in mammalian cell systems, contrary to Ames test findings.
- The use of cytochalasin B in genotoxicity testing of nanoparticles may introduce potential errors.
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In vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.

