Genotoxicity Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles Produced via HVAD: Examination of Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Chinchilla lanigera Blood Lymphocytes In Vitro

The growing production and use of silver nanoparticles continues to raise questions about their consequences for human and animal health. The method of production, particle stabilization, particle size, concentration, and duration of exposure to cells can affect their reactivity and, consequently, their toxicity. This study was conducted to determine the degree of harmfulness of colloidal silver compounds, including silver nanoparticles produced via the HVAD method, to mitotic chromosomes in chinchilla’s cells. Thanks to the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test, chromosome damage during cell division, i.e., the actual toxic effect of the tested compounds, could be assessed. For this purpose, whole peripheral blood from chinchillas was exposed in vitro to three colloidal silver compounds (unstable AgNP-HVAD, sodium citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles—[AgNP+C], and silver nitrate) for 3, 6, and 24 h. The toxicity of these compounds was assessed at concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 µg/L and the occurrence of sister chromatid exchanges on chromosomes, resulting from double-strand DNA breaks, was analyzed. The studies revealed a notable increase in SCEs compared to the control group, suggesting the genotoxic properties of the examined AgNPs. The highest level of chromosome damage was observed following exposure to citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles. Further research is needed to better understand the toxicological mechanisms of AgNPs produced via the HVAD method and their effects on mammalian somatic cells.