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Synthesis, Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity of CuO Nanoparticles Fabricated Through Rhus punjabensis Leaf Extract

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Abstract

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized using Rhus punjabensis leaf extract and assessed for toxicity in vitro against brine shrimp Leishmania tropica and in vivo against Sprague–Dawley rats. The spherical biofunctionalized nanoparticles showed concentration and time-dependent toxicity during in vitro assays. Biocompatibility assessed against Sprague–Dawley rats at 50 and 100 mg/kg (low and high dose) depicted significant variation only in total bilirubin, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase in both male and female rats at both dose administration; however, non-significant change was recorded on other parameters. Antioxidative enzymes, total proteins, and nitrites also showed significant variation from control in both genders. Histological study revealed alteration in liver, heart, and lungs of male rats on higher dose administration, while female rats on low-dose administration were found safer. The results show that R. punjabensis-mediated CuO nanoparticles are safe at low dose and its application can be expanded as effectual antimicrobial and anticancer agents for pharmaceutical applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Sania Naz, Saad Hanif, Joham Sarfraz Ali & Muhammad Zia

  2. Laboratory Animal Facility, National Institute of Health, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Hussain Ali

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  1. Sania Naz
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Correspondence to Muhammad Zia.

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Animal study was carried out at the Primate Facility of Faculty of Biological Sciences, according to the National Institute of Health Guidelines. Approved protocol (Bch#0267) by the ethics committee of the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, was followed in this study.

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Naz, S., Hanif, S., Ali, H. et al. Synthesis, Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity of CuO Nanoparticles Fabricated Through Rhus punjabensis Leaf Extract. BioNanoSci. 11, 946–956 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12668-021-00906-6

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