A Histopathological Evaluation of Amino Acids-Capped Silver Nanoconjugates (AgNCs) Against Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Albino Mice

Abstract

Various molecules may modify the surface chemistry of commonly used nanomaterials (NMs), resulting in the synthesis of novel and safer NMs. The current study was delineated to evaluate the in vivo toxicity profiling of the silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs) conjugated with different amino acids. The L-glycine capped-AgNCs exhibited toxicity and caused tissue damage, while L-cystine and L-tyrosine capped-AgNCs showed protective effects against cadmium-induced toxicity. L-cystine-capped-AgNCs performed well as compared to other amino acids-AgNCs. The level of serum creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, and blood urea increased (p<0.05) in G2, G3, and G5 in comparison to G1 (control group). While an increase in bilirubin for G2 was statistically non-significant (p>0.05). The ALT and AST elevated (p<0.05) in G4, however, other serological parameters in G4 and G6 didn’t show any noticeable change in their values. Histological analysis showed disturbed and deformed cellular structures in liver and kidney tissues of G2, G3, and G5. However, G4 and G6 samples demonstrated minute changes in comparison to G1. It is concluded that L-cystine and L-tyrosine-capped-AgNCs exhibited protective effects and should be tested further for developing safer nanoconjugates for biomedical uses.