engleski

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their impact on the sperm of sea urchin Arbacia lixula

As the use of engineered nanoparticles grows every year in a broad range of fields including medicine, cosmetics, hardware parts manufacturing, agriculture, dietary supplements, etc., so too does the possibility that such nanoparticles will enter various environmental compartments such as freshwater systems, soil, estuarine or marine waters. Recently, silver nanoparticles have been used as optical enhancers, thermal and electrical conductors, antibacterial coatings, and biosensors. Therefore studies about their environmental fate, toxicity patterns, uptake and bioaccumulation are of pivotal importance to prevent negative effects on humans and other key species. In this study, the impact of silver nanoparticles on the sperm of sea urchin species Arbacia lixula has been investigated. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) of 60nm diameter have been synthesised by reduction of silver salts. Subsequently A. lixula sperm were exposed to various concentrations of AgNP (from 1-1000 µg/L) and observed if treated A. lixula sperm were able to fertilize urchin eggs, and what percentage of the resulting plutei were normal, retarded, undeveloped or dead. Fertilization rate was significantly lowered to 67% at 50 µg/L AgNP (compared to a 90% control value). Further increments of AgNP concentration show a linear decrease in fertilization rates. With regards to larval development major effects and a linear reduction of normal larvae were also identified at concentrations exceeding 50 µg/L. Fertilization rates were lower for sperm treatment than literature values for urchin eggs treated with silver nanoparticles. However normal larvae were more frequent after sperm treatment, and may be due to internalization of AgNP and a dilution effect when fertilization takes place. Further investigation of AgNP internalization and the effects this process is highly needed.

nanoparticle, silver, urchin, marine, gamete, toxicity

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