Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrate unique properties, which are prospective for drug delivery, catalysis, and gas separation, but their biomedical applications might be limited due to their obscure interactions with the environment and humans. It is important to understand their toxic effect on nature before their wide practical application. In this study, HKUST-1 nanoparticles (Cu-nanoMOF, Cu₃(btc)₂, btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) were synthesized by the microwave (MW)-assisted ionothermal method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The embryotoxicity and acute toxicity of HKUST-1 towards embryos and adult zebrafish were investigated. To gain a better understanding of the effects of Cu-MOF particles towards Danio rerio (D. rerio) embryos were exposed to HKUST-1 nanoparticles (NPs) and Cu²⁺ ions (CuSO₄). Cu²⁺ ions showed a higher toxic effect towards fish compared with Cu-MOF NPs for D. rerio. Both forms of fish were sensitive to the presence of HKUST-1 NPs. Estimated LC₅₀ values were 2.132 mg/L and 1.500 mg/L for zebrafish embryos and adults, respectively. During 96 h of exposure, the release of copper ions in a stock solution and accumulation of copper after 96 h were measured in the internal organs of adult fishes. Uptake examination of the major internal organs did not show any concentration dependency. An increase in the number of copper ions in the test medium was found on the first day of exposure. Toxicity was largely restricted to copper release from HKUST-1 nanomaterials structure into solution.

Surface modification of nanoparticles with different stabilizers is one of the most widely used methods to improve their stability and applicability. Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) dispersions with biologically active stabilizers have great potential as plant protection products with synergetic antimicrobial properties and sufficient stability in terms of field application. The obtained AgNPs dispersions have the ability to enhance growth, increase yield and give better protection to various crops. At the same time, it is important to determine the fate, stability, and ecotoxicity of the applied nanosized products. The toxic effects of AgNPs dispersions and their constituents, organic stabilizers and additives, were evaluated using a phenotypic sea urchin embryo assay. Certain AgNPs dispersions with organic stabilizers demonstrated sufficient stability, even in seawater. The toxicity of the AgNPs decreased with the increasing tendency to agglomerate in seawater. Furthermore, the applied stabilizers were hazardous towards sea urchin embryos. They caused pronounced embryo abnormalities at 0.25–2.6 mg/L concentrations. AgNPs exhibited a lethal effect at concentrations that were equal to the MLC or exceeded the MEC of their stabilizers. Silver ions were more toxic towards sea urchin embryos than AgNPs.

The use of different nanoparticles (NPs) is growing every year since discoveries of their unique properties. The wide use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about their safety and possible accumulation in the aquatic environment. Mussels are being considered as one of the most suitable organisms for bioaccumulation monitoring. Within our study, we focused on developing the method that can be applied in field studies of ecotoxicity and can be nondestructive and informative at early times of exposure, while at the same time being based on changes of physiological parameters of fresh water mussels. The changes in the cardiovascular and neural systems of mollusks (Anodonta anatina and Unio tumidus) were measured as biomarkers of toxic effects. Different monometallic and bimetallic NPs, silicon NPs with various ligands were applied as test substances. Changes in cardiovascular and neural functions were in good correlation with accumulation tests for all tested NPs.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) possess remarkable physicochemical properties, making them highly attractive candidates for advanced drug delivery, catalysis, water purification, gas separation, and biomedical application. Thus, it is important to understand its toxic effect on the environment and human health prior to wide practical application. In this study, UiO-66 nanoparticles (Zr₆O₄(OH)₄—octahedral clusters with benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate linkers) were synthesized and characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The genotoxicity and accumulation of UiO-66 were investigated towards freshwater fish, Nothobranchius rachovii, for the first time. To gain a better understanding of the effects of UiO-66 nanoparticles towards N. rachovii, fish were exposed to UiO-66, the linker, and zirconium salts. The genotoxic risk caused by UiO-66 was detected by analyzing the Chromosome Aberrations (CAs), frequencies of Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCEs), mitotic index, and accumulations of Zr in tissues of fish treated with UiO-66 samples, linker, zirconium salt, and non-exposed control subjects.