Evaluation of bioaccumulation and toxic effect of aluminum and molybdenum oxide nanoparticles used as an active component of bactericidal agents

Introduction. Nanoparticles (NPs) of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) have the potential to be used as an active component of bactericidal agents. At the same time, there is information in the scientific literature about the negative effects of these NPs on organism. Given that, it seems relevant to perform the study and comparative analysis of the toxicity of Al₂O₃ and MoO₃ NPs.

Materials and methods. We examined physical properties of Al₂O₃ NPs and MoO₃ NPs. In an experiment on Wistar rats, peculiarities of bioaccumulation and toxic action at multiply inhalation exposure was researched. 

Results. The examined samples were a nanomaterial judging by such parameters as particle size, shape, surface area and total pore volume. Under exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs, aluminum concentrations were statistically significant increase in the lungs, brain, liver and blood relative to the control; under exposure to MoO₃ NPs — molybdenum concentration in heart, lungs, brain, kidney and blood. Under exposure to MoO₃ NPs, a wider range of negative effects changed relative to the control of biochemical parameters (increased activity of ALP, LDH, concentrations of total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine) was established than during exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs (increased activity of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, concentrations direct bilirubin). Pathomorphological changes were identified in the lungs, brain, heart and liver under exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs; in lungs, brain and liver under exposure to MoO₃ NPs in the lungs. However, tissue changes upon exposure to MoO₃ NPs are more pronounced than those upon exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs. 

Limitations. The study involved only multiple inhalation exposure to Al₂O₃ NPs and MoO₃ NPs in an experiment on Wistar rats.

Conclusion. Differences in the toxicokinetics of Al₂O₃ and MoO₃ NPs do not make it possible to single out among them those that are more dangerous for human health, and therefore additional studies are needed.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was accomplished in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123) and requirements of the Local Committee on Ethics of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies (the Meeting Report No. 5 and 6 issued on January 20, 2021).

Conflict of interests. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Funding. The research was granted financial support from the federal budget.

Received: December 27, 2022 / Accepted: May 26, 2023 / Published: June 30, 2023

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