Transformative nanobioplasmonic effects: Toxicological implications of plasmonic silver nanoparticles in aquatic biological models

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 954; p. 176592
• Main Authors: Queiroz, Lucas G., Faustino, Leandro A., de Oliveira, Paulo F.M., Pompêo, Marcelo, Córdoba de Torresi, Susana I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Daphnids; Ecotoxicology; Enzymatic biomarkers; Plasmonics; Plasmonics; Ecotoxicology; Daphnids; Enzymatic biomarkers
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176592

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) present unique properties, such as the induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) provoked under illumination with a proper wavelength, allowing these nanomaterials to be applied in fields such as catalysis and biomedicine. The study of AgNPs is also highly relevant from the environmental pollution viewpoint due to their high production and application in commercial products. Consequently, AgNPs reach aquatic environments and can be plasmonically stimulated under natural light conditions. This study investigates the toxic effects promoted by AgNPs under plasmonic excitation on the survival and physiology of the crustacean Daphnia similis. Two AgNP shapes (spherical and triangular) with plasmon bands absorbing in different spectral regions in the visible range were studied. The organisms were exposed to different AgNP concentrations under five different light conditions. Survival and changes in enzymatic biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid storage were evaluated. Under LSPR conditions, we observed increased lethality for both AgNP shapes. LSPR effects of AgNPs showed mortality 2.6 and 1.7 times higher than the treatment under dark conditions for spherical and triangular morphologies respectively. The enzymatic assays demonstrated that plasmonic treatments triggered physiological responses. Significantly decreased activities were observed exclusively under LSPR conditions for both AgNP shapes. Considering all treatments, spherical AgNPs showed lower LC50 values than triangular ones, indicating their higher toxic potential. Our results demonstrate that LSPR AgNPs can induce biological responses associated with oxidative stress and survival. Therefore, this study highlights the potential risks of environmental contamination by plasmonically active metallic nanomaterials. These materials can enhance their toxicity when light-excited, yet the results also indicate promising opportunities for light-based therapies. [Display omitted] •Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) pollution can pose risks to aquatic environments.•The plasmonic properties of AgNPs have been widely applied in different fields.•The plasmonic effect increased the toxicity of AgNPs on Daphnia similis.•Survival, antioxidant responses, and lipid storage were affected.•This is the first report of plasmonic influence on aquatic invertebrates.