title: In vitro effect of gold and silver nanoparticles on human spermatozoa.
abstract: The cytotoxicity of Au/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on human spermatozoa was investigated in vitro. Semen from donors were incubated (37 °C, 60'-120') with 30, 60, 125, 250 and 500 μM Au/Ag-NPs. Sperm motility was evaluated following WHO guidelines; sperm viability was assessed with eosin Y test. Au-NPs were characterised and localised with field emission gun-based scanning transmission electron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both tested NPs exerted a significant dose-dependent effect on motility and viability of human spermatozoa (P < 0.001). Ag-NPs seem to show a slightly elevated toxicity although not significant (P > 0.05). Au-NPs were localised in spermatozoa, whereas Ag-NPs were undetectable. In conclusion, Au-NPs and Ag-NPs do not appear to be harmful for human spermatozoa up to high concentrations (250-500 μM) that are probably difficult to reach in vivo. It is mandatory to explore the genotoxic effect of NPs in germ cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Applied Biology Section, University of Siena, Ospedale Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy; Interdepartmental Centre for Research and Therapy of Male Infertility, University of Siena, Ospedale Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moretti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Terzuoli
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Renieri
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iacoponi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Castellini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Collodel
mesh_terms: D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006046:Gold / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000633:toxicity*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D012834:Silver / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D012834:Silver; D006046:Gold
keywords: Au- and Ag-NPs; NP localisation; human spermatozoa; sperm motility; sperm viability