Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Primary Syrian Hamster Embryo (SHE) Cells

Silver-nanoparticles (NPs) have become increasingly common in various applications, raising some safety concerns. In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of silver-NPs on primary Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells were investigated. Cell viability was assessed using a methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and genotoxic potential was evaluated using a cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The results showed that dose-dependent cytotoxicity was induced after 24 h of exposure to silver-NPs. The micronucleation frequency (MNF) also increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), suggesting that silver-NPs induce genotoxicity. This is consistent with an increased MNF observed in primary SHE cells. The results of cell cycle analysis indicate that the cell cycles became arrested in the G0/G1 phase and that the S phase shortened after only 8 h of silver-NP exposure, suggesting that DNA replication had been inhibited, which in turn inhibited further cell proliferation. The rate of late-stage apoptosis increased after 12 h of silver-NP exposure, and both early- and late-stage apoptosis were obviously increased after 72 h of exposure than in controls. This study demonstrated that silver-NPs could induce strong cytotoxicity and significant genotoxicity in primary SHE cells and that this is probably due to silver-NP-induced apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation.