Cellular and chromosomal interaction of bio-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles - Induced nano-cytotoxicity and genotoxicity

The widespread use of nanoparticles raises substantial environmental, health, and safety issues. The specific mechanisms by which they impact plants and animals, as well as the entire scope of their possible impact, are still unknown. The current work investigates the impact of varying CuO NPs concentrations on phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antioxidant activity. Exposure of Mung bean seeds to CuO NPs results in the uptake of these particles by the roots and their subsequent transportation to various plant components, including the root, stem, and leaf. This uptake of CuO NPs triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The CuO NPs can induce toxicological consequences due to their heightened propensity to produce excessive amounts of ROS. The absorption of CuO NPs might cause deformation and disintegration of the erythrocyte membrane, resulting in cell rupture due to osmotic pressure. The Allium cepa cytotoxicity study aimed to examine the harmful effects of CuO NPs and assess their impact on cellular structures at a microscopic scale. This work aims to analyze the cellular interaction of CuO NPs by measuring the Mitotic Index (MI) in the root cells of Allium cepa. The CuO NPs rapidly interact with plant and human cells, as well as chromosomes, leading to nanophytotoxicity, nano-cytotoxicity, and nano-genotoxicity.