The metal oxide nanoparticle in forms of Zinc, Titanium and Copper oxides has been widely used in in various consumer products. However only limited information regarding their potential toxicity are currently available. In this project we identified toxic effects of exposure to these nanoparticles on reproduction, neurological behaviors, and gene expressions in related genetic pathways. We also compared the toxicity between different nanoparticles with different metal components. We firstly characterized effects of exposure to a range of environmentally relevant concentrations of ZnO, CuO, TiO2 on reproductive function using florescence microscopy with Nomarski optics and confocal microscopy. Tested Reproductive defects include alterations in brood size, abnormalities in spermatogenesis, oogenesis, embryogenesis, and abnormality in offspring development and behaviors. Findings also indicated aberrant gene expressions in reproudion and neurobehavior related pathways upon exposure. This study findings using the C. elegans model will guide validation studies in vertebrate animals.

Impacts of metal oxide nanoparticles on reproduction, neurological behavior, and gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans

256th National Meeting (2018)

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