Genotoxicity tests of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-coated silver nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro

Nanosilver is thought to hold potential for use in medical materials. The safety of newly developed poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)-coated silver nanoparticles (SMA-AgNPs) requires investigation. In this study, three in vitro and in vivo experiments for investigating genetic toxicity-the Ames test, a micronucleus assay, and a chromosome aberration test-were conducted. Results from the Ames testing showed SMA-AgNPs to have a negative effect, either with or without S9 metabolism. In addition, SMA-AgNPs increased the number of reticulocytes and micronuclei in reticulocytes at 48 and 72h after treatment. Indeed, SMA-AgNPs induced significant changes in the chromosomal aberration rate in CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary cell clone K1) cells. In conclusion, SMA-AgNPs did cause DNA damage in terms of chromosomal aberration and may have a potential genotoxic effect in certain applications.