Silver nanoparticle: applications, human health and the environment

Silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) applications in consumer and medical products are emerging through its excellent antimicrobial efficacy. These broad applications increase human and environmental exposures to Ag NP. This review presents an overview of silver nanoparticle general and medical applications and the mechanisms of antibacterial activity. Toxicity effects of Ag NP to (1) a variety of mammalian cell lines derived from skin, liver, lung, reproductive system, etc., (2) mammalian animal models, also (3) non-mammalian model organisms are discussed. Membrane leakage, decreased viability and inhibition of mitochondrial activity upon Ag NP exposure in different cell lines are reported. Furthermore, side effects of Ag NPs on the environment are mentioned briefly. Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage and apoptosis are general mechanisms of Ag NPs cytotoxicity. Also, in vivo studies show Ag NPs cause toxicity in several organs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Silver nanoparticles ، applications ، human health ، Toxicity