Use of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) for Biosafety Evaluation of Strontium Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite

Despite the numerous studies on biocompatibility with nano-biomaterials, the biological effects of strontium-substituted HA nanoparticles (nSrHA) need to be better understood. So, we conducted an embryotoxicity test using zebrafish (Danio rerio) according to the OECD 236 guideline, a model that represents a viable alternative that bridges the gap between in vitro and mammalian models. Zebrafish embryos were exposed for 120 h to microspheres containing nSrHA nanoparticles with low and high crystallinity, synthesized at temperatures of 5°C (nSrHA5) and 90°C (nSrHA90). We evaluated lethality, developmental parameters, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The larval behavior was assessed at 168 hpf to determine if the biomaterials affected motor responses and anxiety-like behavior. The results showed that the survival rate decreased significantly for the nSrHA5 group (low crystalline particles), and an increase in ROS was also observed in this group. However, none of the biomaterials caused morphological changes indicative of toxicity during larval development. Additionally, the behavioral tests did not reveal any alterations in all experimental groups, indicating the absence of neurotoxic effects from exposure to the tested biomaterials. These findings provide valuable insights into the biosafety of modified HA-based nanostructured biomaterials, making them a promising strategy for bone tissue repair. As the use of hydroxyapatite-based biomaterials continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure rigorous control over the quality, reliability, and traceability of these materials.