Combined repeated-dose toxicity study of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (7.9 ± 0.95 nm) with reproduction/developmental toxicity was investigated in rats orally treated with 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg, once a day for 42 days for males and up to 52 days for females. The test was performed based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guideline 422 and Good Laboratory Practice principles. No death was observed in any of the groups. Alopecia, salivation and yellow discolouration of the lung were observed in a few rats but the symptoms were not dose-dependent. Haematology, serum biochemical investigation and histopathological analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between control group and the treated groups. Toxicity endpoints of reproduction/developmental screening test including mating, fertility, implantation, delivery and foetus were measured. There was no evidence of toxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (size: 7.9 ± 0.95 nm, dosage: 250 mg/kg) were orally administered to pregnant rats. At 4 days after parturition, four pups were randomly selected (one pup from one dam) and silver level in liver, kidney, lung and brain was determined by ICP-MS and electron microscope. As results, silver nanoparticles highly accumulated in the tissues of the pups. Silver level in the treated group was 132.4 ± 43.9 ng/g in the kidney (12.3 fold compared to control group), 37.3 ± 11.3 ng/g in the liver (7.9 fold), 42.0 ± 8.6 ng/g in the lung (5.9 fold), and 31.1 ± 4.3 ng/g in the brain (5.4 fold). This result suggested that the possible transfer of silver nanoparticles from pregnant dams to the fetus through mainly placenta.