Green synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles and their effects on liver function and hematological parameters in mice

Abstract

Introduction: The present investigation was conducted to green synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) from aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa L. fruit and evaluate their effects on liver function and hematological parameters of mice. Methods: The green synthesis of CuNPs by means of C. spinosa extract was performed according to the method described elsewhere. UV-vis spectroscopy analyses, Fourier transform of infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to identify the synthesized nanoparticles. The mice were orally administrated with CuNPs at the doses of 1000, 2000, and 5000 µg/kg for two weeks. Afterward, the effects of CuNPs on liver function of the treated mice were evaluated by measuring the serum levels of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin as well as hematological parameters including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell counts (WBC), red blood cell counts (RBC), and platelet (PLT) counts. Results: A maximum peak at the wavelength of 414 nm approved the biosynthesis of the copper nanoparticles. FTIR spectrum analysis revealed that the factor groups shaped a coating extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. SEM images demonstrated the particle size between 17 and 41 nm. It was found that although some liver enzymes and hematological parameters increased with increasing dosage of extract, there is no significant difference (p> 0.05) between oral administrations of CuNPs at the doses of 1000, 2000, and 5000 g/kg and control group. Conclusion: The findings revealed that copper nanoparticles biosynthesized from aqueous extract of C. spinosa fruit have no toxic effect on the liver of the studied mice; as well as no significant toxicity was observed on hematological parameters in mice. However, more studies need to be done for evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of CuNPs.