In-vivo (Albino Mice) and in-vitro Assimilation and Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Food Materials

PURPOSE: Recent advances in nanotechnology have given rise to the potential utilization of nanoparticles as food, nano-medicine/biomedicines. PATIENT: The study aimed to investigate the effects of nano-zinc oxide (nano-zinc) on the bio-assimilation of mineral (Zn) in mice, aged 3–6 weeks. METHODS: ZnO nanoparticles were added to the basal diet as a supplement at amounts of 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21 mg/kg. The synthesized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, particle size, scanning electron microscope, Thermogravimetric Analysis Thermal, X-ray diffraction spectrophotometer and Zeta potential. RESULTS: In-vitro bioavailability of synthesized group ZnO (120 nm) was 43%, whereas for standard group ZnO (50 nm) was reported as 55%. In-vivo bioavailability of zinc oxide illustrated the maximum absorption level compared with the control. In-vivo toxicity was characterized as damage done to the liver and spleen tissues with a high dose of 0.21 mg/kg, while smaller doses indicated no toxic effects. CONCLUSION: The study provided important insights on the toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles, depending on dose rate and bio-assimilation, as well as particles, under various conditions (in-vitro and in-vivo). These findings will motivate further detailed research on nano-based medicine for alleviating malnutrition conditions.