Lauric acid bilayer-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles disrupt early development of freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818).

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been indicated for the control of parasites and intermediate hosts, as well as applications in several sectors of nanomedicine. However, knowledge regarding its toxicity, mechanisms of action and the role of functionalization in gastropods that act as intermediate hosts of neglected disease parasites is still scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of lauric acid bilayer-functionalized IONPs (LA-IONPs), lauric acid isolated (LA) and iron ions in embryos and newly-hatched Biomphalaria glabrata. The snails were exposed to different concentrations of IONPs, LA and iron ions (1.0-97.65 mg L-1) during 144 h (embryos) and 96 h (newly-hatched) and multiple parameters were analyzed, such as mortality, hatching rate, developmental delay, and morphological changes. The results showed that both iron forms (LA-IONPs and iron ions) and LA promoted mortality, hatching inhibition and morphological changes in snail embryos in a concentration-dependent patterns. Embryos also showed iron bioaccumulation after exposure to both iron forms. High toxicity was observed in newly-hatched snails compared to embryos, indicating the protective role of ovigerous masses during the early developmental stages. LA induced high developmental toxicity compared to LA-IONPs and iron ions. Results showed the molluscicide activity of LA-IONPs and isolated LA, indicating their potential use as molluscicide in the snail control program.

Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of the Neolignan Analogue 2-(4-Nitrophenoxy)-1Phenylethanone and its Protective Effect Against DNA Damage.

Neolignans are secondary metabolites found in various groups of Angiosperms. They belong to a class of natural compounds with great diversity of chemical structures and pharmacological activities. These compounds are formed by linking two phenylpropanoid units. Several compounds that have ability to prevent genetic damage have been isolated from plants, and can be used to prevent or delay the development of tumor cells. Genetic toxicology evaluation is widely used in risk assessment of new drugs in preclinical screening tests. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the neolignan analogue 2-(4-nitrophenoxy)-1-phenylethanone (4NF) and its protective effect against DNA damage using the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test and the comet assay in mouse peripheral blood. Our results showed that this neolignan analogue had no genotoxic activity and was able to reduce induced damage both in mouse bone marrow and peripheral blood. Although the neolignan analogue 4NF was cytotoxic, it reduced cyclophosphamide-induced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, it showed no genotoxic action, but exhibited cytotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticytotoxic activities.