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Zinc-based nanoparticles are promising materials for various applications, including in biomedicine. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of fluorescent europium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO:Eu NPs) on sperm parameters, cell apoptosis and integrity of the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in mice. Nanostructures were orally administered to adult mice (n = 34). Animals were sacrificed after 3 h, 24 h, 7 d and 14 d following oral administration. Sperm was collected and analysed for viability and kinetic parameters. Collected testes were quantitatively analysed for accumulation of ZnO:Eu NPs. Microscopic evaluation based on immunofluorescence and histopathological studies were also conducted. Results showed that ZnO:Eu NPs were able to overcome the BTB with their subsequent accumulation in the testis. No toxic or pro-apoptotic effects of nanoparticles on the male reproductive system were observed. The results suggested that ZnO:Eu NPs were able to accumulate in the testis with no negative impact on sperm parameters, tissue architecture or the integrity of the BTB.

AbstractHereby the possible applications of oxide nanoparticles in the cancer diagnostics and therapy are presented. Cancer diseases are nowadays one of the most common causes of death in the highly-developed countries. Discussed will be the current clinical cancer detection methods with their shortcomings. The role of nanomedicine in cancer medicine and the potential applications of nanoparticles debated in the literature will be critically evaluated. In the second part, the most common methods for the nanoparticle synthesis will be discussed. Finally, the system for cancer detection based on the enhanced permeation-retention of multimodal high-k oxide nanoparticles doped with lanthanides will be proposed for both for themagnetic resonance imaging (non-gadolinium contrast agents) and for fluorescence guided biopsy and surgery.