Effect of gold nanoparticles on spermatozoa: the first world report

Objective: To evaluate the spermatoxicity of gold nanoparticles. Design: Experimental study. Setting: A university in Thailand. Patient(s): Single-donor fresh semen sample. Intervention(s): A mixture of gold nanoparticle solution and semen was prepared and further analyzed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Spermatozoa appearance. Result(s): After mixing the semen with a gold nanoparticle solution, 25% of sperm were not motile. Penetration of gold nanoparticle into the sperm heads and tails was observed. Conclusion(s): Spermatotoxicity of the gold nanoparticle can be detected. (Fertil Steril (R) 2009; 91:e7-e8. (C) 2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)