Toxic and Microbiological Effects of Iron Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles as Additives on Extended Ram Semen

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of iron oxide (Fe) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on ram semen. A skim milk extender without antibiotics was used as a diluent of 21 ejaculates (8 rams; 2–3 ejaculates/ram). The groups of control (C; semen without NPs), Fe NPs (3.072 mg Fe3O4/mL semen), and Ag NPs (2.048 mg Ag-Fe/mL semen) were incubated (15 °C; 30 min), and then a magnetic field was used for NPs’ removal. Standard microbiological procedures were performed for all groups. Post-treated samples were stored (15 °C) for 24 h, and sperm variables (kinetics by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA); viability; morphology; HOST; DNA integrity) were evaluated at 6 and 24 h. Semen data were analyzed by a mixed model for repeated measures and microbiological data with Student’s t-test for paired samples. At 6 h of storage, VCL and rapid movement-spermatozoa, and at 24 h, total/progressive motility and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) were significantly decreased in group Ag compared to control. In group Fe, progressive/rapid movement-spermatozoa were significantly lower compared to control after 24 h of storage. Only in group Ag was a significant reduction of total bacterial count revealed. In conclusion, the examined Fe NPs demonstrated slight antibacterial effect, while the examined Ag NPs provided higher antibacterial properties accompanied by cytotoxicity.

Recent Updates on Multifunctional Nanomaterials as Antipathogens in Humans and Livestock: Classification, Application, Mode of Action, and Challenges

“…Combating hoof disorders in cows [50,51] Au-NPs Inorganic Bacillus anthracis Induce ROS to disrupt cell membrane.…”

“…Moreover, Hasssan et al [49] reported that NMs, like ZnO, can improve animal health by promoting development and reducing diarrhea in piglets and dairy cows with recessive mastitis. Furthermore, Tsakmakidis et al [50] study on FeO and Ag-NPs on ram sperm found that Ag-NPs demonstrated superior antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity, indicating potential for sperm therapy. Accordingly, Kot et al [51] explored the effectiveness of metal NPs (Ag-NPs, Cu-NPs, Au-NPs, Pt-NPs, and Fe-NPs) in combating digital dermatitis in cows caused by Treponema bacteria, with Ag-NPs and Cu-NPs showing the most biocidal effect.…”

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

“…A slight antibiotic effect with no detrimental effects on the sperm quality was observed when iron oxide nanoparticles were added [ 81 ]. The desired antibacterial effect was recorded when iron and silver nanoparticles were combined at the cost of increased spermatotoxicity [ 82 ]. Yousef et al [ 83 ] disclosed that concentrations ≤30 µg/mL of silver-carbon nanoparticles did not affect sperm quality parameters during bull semen storage and were effective against Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Escherichia coli , although transmission electron microscopy revealed that these nanoparticles were attached to the plasma membrane but did not penetrate the bull sperm cell.…”

“…Consequently, MACS application has improved pregnancy rates in comparison to spermatozoa processed by density gradient alone [153]. Non-thermal plasma has emerged as an alternative technique with exceptional potential in various biomedical directions including the sterilization and sanitation of different surfaces [114,121,125], wound healing [124,126], tissue regeneration [124,127], treatment of infections [127,128], and cancer [80][81][82]. In particular, interactions of NTP with both Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria, biofilms, spores, and fungi have been extensively studied over the past decade [116,129,130].…”

Alternatives to Antibiotics in Semen Extenders Used in Artificial Insemination

“…The addition of iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles during boar semen processing was reported to produce a slight antibiotic effect with no adverse effects on sperm characteristics [64]. In contrast, although iron oxide nanoparticles were not toxic to ram spermatozoa, they did not have the desired antibacterial effect [65]. A combination of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles produced a greater antibacterial effect than iron oxide but showed higher spermatotoxicity.…”