Cytotoxicity of lycopene-mediated silver nanoparticles in the embryonic development of zebrafish-An animal study

Nano-silver (AgNP) has biological properties which are significant for consumer products, food technology, and medical applications (e.g., wound care products, implantable medical devices, in diagnosis, drug delivery, and imaging). Thus, the use of nano-silver is becoming more and more widespread in medicine. However, the effect of these AgNPs on zebrafish remains unclear. Whereas, lycopene, a fat-soluble carotenoid acts as a potent antioxidant has proved its major role in treating many oral health problems such as lichen planus, and periodontitis. Usage of these lycopene AgNPs would yield better results in wound healing. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on fibroblasts cells of humans. To investigate the toxic effects of the lycopene-mediated AgNPs on the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and to examine these effects on the embryonic development of the fetus of this species. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with AgNPs 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 L nanoparticles/ml for 24 to 96 h post fertilization. Our results showed that with the increasing concentration of nanoparticles, there was a very mild toxic effect. Less toxic effects were observed with 1μl. Our results show that exposure to silver nanoparticles is less toxic to embryonic zebrafish at lower concentrations. The results will contribute to the current understanding of the potential biotoxic effects of nanoparticles and will aid in the safety assessment and synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles.