In vitro effect of gold and silver nanoparticles on human spermatozoa

The cytotoxicity of Au/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on human spermatozoa wasinvestigated in vitro. Semen from donors were incubated (37 °C, 60?-120?) with30, 60, 125, 250 and 500 lM Au/Ag-NPs. Sperm motility was evaluated followingWHO guidelines; sperm viability was assessed with eosin Y test. Au-NPswere characterised and localised with field emission gun-based scanning transmissionelectron microscope/energy dispersive spectroscopy and transmissionelectron microscopy. Both tested NPs exerted a significant dose-dependenteffect on motility and viability of human spermatozoa (P < 0.001). Ag-NPsseem to show a slightly elevated toxicity although not significant (P > 0.05).Au-NPs were localised in spermatozoa, whereas Ag-NPs were undetectable. Inconclusion, Au-NPs and Ag-NPs do not appear to be harmful for human spermatozoaup to high concentrations (250-500 lM) that are probably difficult toreach in vivo. It is mandatory to explore the genotoxic effect of NPs in germcells.