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Title:

Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models

Date:

2/2012

Link to Journal Abstract

Abstract:

Engineered nanoparticles, due to their unique electrical, mechanical, and catalytic properties, are presently found in many commercial products and will be intentionally or inadvertently released at increasing concentrations into the natural environment. Metal- and metal oxide-based nanomaterials have been shown to act as mediators of DNA damage in mammalian cells, organisms, and even in bacteria, but the molecular mechanisms through which this occurs are poorly understood. For the first time, we report that copper oxide nanoparticles induce DNA damage in agricultural and grassland plants. Significant accumulation of oxidatively modified, mutagenic DNA lesions (7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine; 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine; 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine) and strong plant growth inhibition were observed for radish (Raphanus sativus), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) under controlled laboratory conditions. Lesion accumulation levels mediated by copper ions and macroscale copper particles were measured in tandem to clarify the mechanisms of DNA damage. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of multiple DNA lesion formation and accumulation in plants. These findings provide impetus for future investigations on nanoparticle-mediated DNA damage and repair mechanisms in plants.

Non-technical Summary:

This study investigates whether copper oxide nanoparticles induce DNA damage in agricultural and grassland plants by evaluating the accumulation of oxidatively modified, mutagenic DNA lesions under controlled laboratory conditions. Lesion accumulation levels mediated by copper ions and macroscale copper particles were measured in tandem to clarify the mechanisms of DNA damage.

Content Emphasis

Peer Reviewed Journal Article

Exposure Or Hazard Target

Soil Ecosystem

Exposure Pathway

Other/Unspecified

Method Of Study

Environmental Study

Paper Type

Environmental Fate and Transport

Particle Type

Oxide