Investigating the Effect of Silver and Silica Nanoparticles on the Hemolysis of Human Blood cells: A Policy Brief

Authors
Somayeh Rahimimoghadam
Ahmad Ghasemi
Fatemeh Mehrafshan
2. Assistant Professor of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
The rapid expansion of nanomaterial applications across various fields, despite their numerous benefits, has posed significant challenges for policymakers concerning safety and oversight. The absence of comprehensive policy frameworks and codified risk assessment protocols at the macro level, particularly within the health sector, may result in inadequate decision-making and present risks to public health. This policy brief aims to provide scientific evidence to support more informed decision-making and the development of evidence-based safety guidelines for nanomaterials. For this purpose, the toxicity of two widely used nanoparticles, silver (AgNPs) and silica (SiO₂-NPs), on human blood cells was investigated and compared in a laboratory study. The main findings demonstrated that silica nanoparticles induce greater cytotoxicity and hemolysis compared to silver nanoparticles (the IC50 value for silver nanoparticles: 58.0467 µg/ml, for silica nanoparticles: 40.4074 µg/ml). These effects were concentration- and time-dependent. Based on these findings and a review of implementation considerations, this policy brief proposes a set of policy options, including the development of precise standards and protocols for safe use, training of specialists and public awareness campaigns, support for further research, and the establishment of continuous monitoring and evaluation programs for better management of nanomaterial safety at various levels.
Keywords
Nanoparticles
Human Blood Cells
Toxicity
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