Genotoxicity of aluminium oxide, iron oxide, and copper nanoparticles in mouse bone marrow cells

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects of Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and Cu nanoparticles with chromosomal aberration (CA), micronucleus (MN), and comet assays on the bone marrow of male BALB/c mice. Three doses of Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg), or Cu (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) nanoparticles were administered to mice through intraperitoneal injection once a day for 14 days and compared with negative control (distilled water) and positive control (mitomycin C and methyl methanesulphonate). Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ did not show genotoxic effects, but Cu nanoparticles induced significant (P<0.05) genotoxicity at the highest concentration compared to negative control. Our findings add to the health risk information of Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and Cu nanoparticles regarding human exposure (occupational and/or through consumer products or medical treatment), and may provide regulatory reference for safe use of these nanoparticles. However, before they can be used safely and released into the environment further chronic in vivo studies are essential.