In Vivo Test to Evaluate the Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Natural Zeolite (NZ) Functionalized with Silver Nanoparticles (NZ-AgNPs) on Erythrocytes of Yellowtail Tetra Fish Astyanax lacustris

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unique properties such as chemical stability, malleability, flexibility, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and catalytic activity, making them suitable for various applications. However, they also pose potential toxicity and environmental contamination risks. Natural zeolites (NZs) are considered excellent inorganic support for reducing the toxicity of AgNPs. The scope of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of NZ, NZ functionalized with silver nanoparticles (NZ-AgNPs), and commercial AgNPs on fish Astyanax lacustris. Micronucleus (MN) test, cellular morphological change (CMC) test, and the comet assay were used to assess the effects of the nanoparticles. A. lacustris specimens were exposed to a concentrations of 0.1 mg l⁻¹ in the NZs, NZ-AgNPs, and commercial AgNPs for 96 h during the experiment. The results showed no significant difference between the negative control and NZ. Moreover, NZ-AgNPs exhibited reduced toxicities compared to commercial AgNPs, which caused higher levels of alterations and cellular damage. The study concluded that NZs effectively reduced cytotoxicity/genotoxicity in A. lacustris specimens when used to support AgNPs.