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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis
Published on: July 10, 2021
Triangular gold nanoparticles modify shell characteristics and increase antioxidant enzyme activities in the clam
Khazri Abdelhafidh1, Sellami Badreddine2, Amine Mezni3,4
1a Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte , Laboratoire de Biosurveillance de l'Environnement (LBE), Unité d'Ecotoxicologie et d'Ecologie Côtière (GREEC) , Zarzouna-Bizerte , Tunisia.
Context:
Nanoparticles may cause adverse environmental effects but there is limited information on their interactions with marine organisms.
Objective:
Our aim was to examine the effects of triangular gold nanoparticles (Tr-Au NPs) on the clam, Ruditapes decussatus.
Materials And Methods:
Clams were exposed to Tr-Au1 = 5 µg/L and Tr-Au2 = 10 µg/L for 2 and 7 days. Effects on shell structure were investigated. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferase (GST) activities, protein carbonyl levels and malondialdehyde content were used to assess biochemical status.
Results:
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) showed that Tr-Au NPs modified shell structure and morphology. Tr-Au NPs size increased forming aggregate particles. Tr-Au NPs increased SOD, CAT and GST activities in gill and digestive gland in a concentration- and time-dependent manner indicating defence against oxidative stress. Enhanced lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels confirmed oxidative stress.
Conclusion:
Tr-Au NPs cause oxidative stress and affect shell structure of clams. These findings may have relevance to other marine species.
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