Nanotoxicity Assessment of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Sprague-Dawley Rats

In the present study, acute and sub-acute toxicity of pectin-mediated gold nanoparticles (p-GNPs) in Sprague-Dawley rats following OECD guidelines is investigated. Toxicity profile has been assessed from the clinical sign parameters, histopathological examination, clinical biochemistry and antioxidant studies. Bio-distribution of p-GNPs in vivo was evaluated using ICP-MS analysis. Statistical analyses were performed to understand the influence of p-GNPs in in vivo system. Synthesized p-GNPs were found to be highly stable at alkaline pH. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies suggest that there is no significant toxicity developed in any of the experimental animals. Clinical parameters, clinical chemistry and antioxidant status of the rats were normal and showed no variations when compared with the control group. Results of histopathological examination revealed that negligible changes in the morphology of all vital organs studied. The present study ensures the safety of p-GNPs at sub-acute level to emerge as a promising candidate for biomedical applications following further toxicological evaluation.