Silver Nanoparticles Induce Changes in the Structural and Functional Properties of Human Lymphocytes

Exposure of human lymphocytes to silver nanoparticles (2-12 nm) reduced viability of cells and RNA, reduced activities of lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, and cytosolic calcium, increased ROS content in cells, affected surface architectonics of cells and changed hydrophobicity and charge of their plasma membranes. Silver nanoparticles triggered the process of cellular death by the mechanism of ETosis that is accompanied by chromatin release into the extracellular environment and formation of extracellular traps.