Dose-dependent effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on fertility and survival of Drosophila: An in-vivo study

PLoS One. 2017 May 24;12(5):e0178051. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178051. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) containing consumer products have been proliferating in the market due to its unique antimicrobial property, however, lack of in-depth knowledge about their potential effect on human health in a longer run is of great concern. Therefore, we investigated dose-dependent in vivo effect of AgNPs using Drosophila as a model system. Drosophila, a genetically tractable organism with distinct developmental stages, short life cycle and significant homology with human serves as an ideal organism to study nanomaterial-mediated toxicity. Our studies suggest that ingestion of AgNPs in Drosophila during adult stage for short and long duration significantly affects egg laying capability along with impaired growth of ovary. Additionally, dietary intake of AgNPs from larval stage has more deleterious effects that result in reduced survival, longevity, ovary size and egg laying capability at a further lower dosage. Interestingly, the trans-generational effect of AgNPs was also observed without feeding progeny with AgNPs, thereby suggesting its impact from previous generation. Our results strongly imply that higher doses of AgNPs and its administration early during development is detrimental to the reproductive health and survival of Drosophila that follows in generations to come without feeding them to AgNPs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster* / drug effects
  • Drosophila melanogaster* / embryology
  • Drosophila melanogaster* / growth & development
  • Female
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Life Cycle Stages / drug effects
  • Longevity / drug effects
  • Maternal Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / adverse effects*
  • Models, Animal
  • Ovary / physiology
  • Ovum / drug effects*
  • Ovum / growth & development
  • Reproductive Health
  • Silver / adverse effects*
  • Silver / pharmacology

Substances

  • Silver

Grants and funding

This work was supported by DU/DST-PURSE grant and R & D grant from University of Delhi to N.A. A.R. acknowledges University Grants Commission (UGC) for the financial assistance provided in the form of research fellowship (Ref no. Sch. No/ JRF/AA/ 80/ 2012-13).