Evaluation of mutagenicity and cytotoxic activity of biosynthetic silver nanoparticles

There are limited information on the toxicity and gene damage of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis using Cassia fistula aqueous extract.
For this purpose, silver nitrate solution and aqueous extract of C. fistula fruit were mixed at a ratio of 9:1, respectively. After color changing, the formation of AgNPs was assessed by spectrophotometer, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Then, mutagenic potential of nanoparticles was studied by Ames test. Finally, the cytotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles on 4T1 cell line were assessed at 24 and 48 hours.
The color changing of solution was observed after 16 hours that indicated the production of AgNPs. The presence of silver nanoparticles confirmed by spectrophotometer, XRD and TEM micrographs. DLS test revealed that the size of most nanoparticles ranges from 3.6 to 4.5 nm. Ames test showed that AgNPs did not show mutagenic activity at none of the tested dilutions. Also, MTT test results confirmed the dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of biosynthesized nanoparticles on 4T1 cell line.
The results indicated that the silver nanoparticles could be considered as a suitable option in variou`s industries. Although, the side effects of silver nanoparticles should be studied more accurate.