An evaluation of in vitro intestinal absorption of iron, calcium and potassium in chickens receiving gold nanoparticles

Abstract

1. This study evaluated the effect of oral administration of colloidal gold nanoparticles on accumulation of gold in the small intestine and intestinal absorption of iron, calcium and potassium under in vitro conditions.

2. The gold nanoparticles are non-ionic, nanocrystalline, chemically pure particles 5 nm in size, produced in a physical process.

3. In total, 126 one day-old Ross 308 chicks were assigned to 7 experimental groups of 18 birds each (3 replications of 6 individuals each).

4. The control group (G-C) did not receive gold nanoparticles. Groups: Au-5(7), Au-10(7) and Au-15(7) received gold nanoparticles in their drinking water in the amounts of 5 mg l⁻¹ for group Au-5(7), 10 mg l⁻¹ for group Au-10(7) and 15 mg l⁻¹ for group Au-15(7) in 8–14, 22–28 and 36–42 d of life. The birds in groups Au-5(3), Au-10(3) and Au-15(3) received gold nanoparticles in the same amounts, but only in 8–10, 22–24 and 36–38 d of life.

5. The study revealed that nanogold supplied via ingestion leads to dose- and time-dependent accumulation of gold in the intestinal walls.

6. Nanogold present in the jejunum has a negative impact on the absorption of calcium, iron and potassium under in vitro conditions.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.