In vivo bio-distribution, clearance and toxicity assessment of biogenic silver and gold nanoparticles synthesized from Abutilon indicum in Wistar rats.

This study reports the bio-distribution and clearance of Abutilon indicum silver and gold nanoparticles (AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs) in Wistar rats. Rats in different groups were orally administered with 5 and 10 mg/Kg BW of AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs (size 1-25 nm) for 28 days and few were maintained until 58 days of washout period. Serum biochemical parameters were not changed significantly at both doses of AIAuNPs and at lower concentration of AIAgNPs. But, with 10 mg/Kg BW of AIAgNPs rats showed elevated levels of AST, ALP and ALT on day 29, however, these levels were restored to normal after washout period. Liver oxidative stress markers were not altered with the treatment of AIAgNPs and AIAuNPs. ICP-OES analysis indicated bio-distribution of Ag and Au more in liver, kidney and spleen on day 29 and was found cleared on day 59. Histological analysis of nine vital organs indicated normal tissue architecture at both doses of AIAuNPs and lower dose of AIAgNPs. While the rats treated with higher dose of AIAgNPs showed mild liver sinusoid cell swelling on day 29, which also was recovered on day 59. Findings of this preclinical study indicate biocompatible nature of biogenic nanoparticles supporting their future biomedical applications.