Plant-based silver nanoparticles ecotoxicity: Perspectives about green technologies in the One Health context

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have extensive applications in nanomedicine and parasitology, particularly as antifungal, bactericidal, antiviral, larvicidal, mosquitocidal, and tick-killing agents. Plant-based AgNPs (PB-AgNPs) have been studied as a safer and biocompatible strategy to collaborate in disease control. However, knowledge concerning the toxicity of PB-AgNPs in non-target organisms is still limited. A scientometric and systematic review was conducted to comprehensively understand the potential toxicity associated with these nanoparticles. In brief, the assessment of PB-AgNPs toxicological and ecotoxicity aspects needs to be aligned with their development for target organisms. Our review demonstrates that different PB-AgNPs can cause lethal and sublethal effects like increased oxidative stress, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, hematotoxicity, and, DNA damage, alongside others, particularly in aquatic organisms. Besides, the toxicity of PB-AgNPs for terrestrial and some aquatic organisms remains poorly understood. Additionally, the similar LC₅₀ range between non-target aquatic organisms and target organisms highlights the potential ecological impact of PB-AgNPs. Comprehensive toxicological assessments and further research are crucial to ensure the safe and sustainable use of PB-AgNPs in a One Health context.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Ecotoxicity
• health risks
• model system
• nanotoxicity
• sustainable nanotechnology

HANDLING EDITORS:

• Peng Gao and Bradford Scott

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás [FAPEG, CHAMADA FAPEG n. 05/2020 – 7^a Edição do PROGRAMA PESQUISA PARA O SUS: Gestão Compartilhada em Saúde – PPSUS, n. 202110267000294], National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – CNPq [MCTIC/CNPq n. 28/2018; n. 433553/2018-9] and by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – CAPES [funding code 001]. M. J. Bebianno value the funding provided by FCT for projects LA/P/0069/2020 awarded to the Associate Laboratory ARNET and [UID/00350/2020] awarded to CIMA of the University of Algarve. Rocha T.L. is granted with productivity scholarship from CNPq [n. 306329/2020-4].