Genotoxicity of engineered nanoparticles in higher plants

Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen. 2019 Jun:842:132-145. doi: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2019.01.002. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) are an emerging environmental threat. However, studies of NPs in different environmental components are limited. In this review, we discuss studies that have evaluated the genotoxicity of NPs in higher plants. Among the 29 studies reviewed, silver NPs were most studied (n = 7 articles), with fewer studies reporting the genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (n = 3), titanium dioxide NPs (n = 4), and zinc oxide NPs (n = 3). Most of the genotoxicity studies were performed in the model plant systems Allium sp (n = 22), Nicotiana sp (n = 4) and Vicia sp (n = 4) using chromosome aberration (n = 22), micronucleus (n = 15) and comet assays (n = 14). Genotoxicity was observed in most of the studies; however, many studies did consider key determinants of NP toxicity such as particle characterization, dissolution, and uptake. From this review, we propose a set of guidelines that should be considered when reporting results of NP toxicity in plants.

Keywords: Chromosome aberration; Comet assay; Genotoxicity; Micronucleus; Nanotoxicology; Plant bioassay.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Aberrations / chemically induced
  • Comet Assay / methods
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Metal Nanoparticles / toxicity*
  • Micronucleus Tests / methods
  • Mutagens / toxicity*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / toxicity
  • Plants / drug effects*
  • Titanium / toxicity
  • Zinc Oxide / toxicity

Substances

  • Mutagens
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium
  • Zinc Oxide