Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are used in products that most humans come into contact with on a daily basis such as, toothpaste, sunscreens, cosmetics or beauty products, and textiles. There is insufficient research data available on manufactured ZnO NPs and the effects that could result from prolonged exposure. Our previous study indicated that ZnO NPs inhibit Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) reproduction in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we investigate the effects of chronic ZnO exposure on C.elegans germ cell development. The treatment worms were dosed on NGM agar plates containing various concentrations (5 �g/L, 50 �g/L, and 500 �g/L) of ZnO NPs from L1 larvae to adults. SYTO 12 assay results on the C.elegans N2 strain showed an increased number of apoptotic germ cells in ZnO exposed worms as compared to controls. qRT-PCR analysis showed that several genes involved in the apoptosis pathway are changed.

Reproductive toxicity and mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles in <i>C. elegans</i>

246th National Meeting (2013)

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Reproductive toxicity and mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles in C. elegans