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Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Grace Emily Okuthe1, Busiswa Siguba1
1Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, P/B X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause dose-dependent kidney damage in zebrafish. Further testing is crucial to understand the ecological risks of these widely used antimicrobial agents.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Antibacterial resistance drives silver nanoparticle (AgNP) use.
- Biosynthesis offers environmental advantages but requires ecological impact assessment.
- The renal system is vulnerable to toxicants, impacting organismal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess nephrotoxic effects of green synthesized AgNPs on zebrafish.
- Evaluate dose-dependent renal alterations after 96-hour exposure.
- Investigate potential compensatory responses in renal tissue.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish exposed to three AgNP concentrations and a control for 96 hours.
- Acridine orange fluorescence microscopy used for renal tissue analysis.
- Histopathological changes quantified to determine dose-dependent effects.
Main Results:
- Dose-dependent renal histopathological alterations observed.
- Glomerular shrinkage, hematopoietic proliferation, and tubule dilation noted at lower concentrations (0.031-0.250 μg/L).
- Potential renal cell renewal observed at higher concentration (5.000 μg/L) after 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish kidneys are sensitive to green synthesized AgNPs.
- Comprehensive in vivo toxicity testing is essential regardless of synthesis method.
- Evaluating AgNP ecological risks is vital for aquatic ecosystem protection.
