In this study, the genotoxic potential of <50 nm, <100 nm iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (IONPs) and ionic form were investigated using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) and Allium and comet assays. In the SMART assay, different concentrations (1, 2, 5 and 10 mM) of NPs and ionic forms were fed to transheterozygous larvae of Drosophila melanogaster. No significant genotoxic effect was observed in <100 nm NPs and ionic form, while <50 nm IONPs showed genotoxicity at 1 and 10 mM concentrations. Allium cepa root meristems were exposed to five concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mM) of <50 nm and ionic forms for 4 h and three concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 mM) for <100 nm of IONPs for 24 and 96 h. There was a statistically significant effect at 96 h at all concentrations of <100 nm IONPs. Similarly, <50 nm of IONPs and ionic forms also showed a statistically significant effect on mitotic index frequencies for all concentrations at 4 h. There was a dose-dependent increase in chromosomal abnormalities for IONPs and ionic form. Comet assay results showed time- and concentration-dependent increases in <100 nm NPs. There was a concentration-dependent increase in <50 nm NPs and ionic form ( p < 0.05). Consequently, the <50 nm of Fe₂O₃ was found toxic compared to 100 nm Fe₂O₃ and ionic form.

Recently, there have been numerous reports showing that phthalates have negative human health impacts and may cause several diseases such as asthma, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, and male infertility. Animals are also exposed to phthalates through the environment and can cause adverse health effects on them. Several studies have been found on the cytogenetic effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on different organisms but no documented evidence has been found on the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on bovine cultured lymphocytes. MTT assay was performed on different series of DBP concentrations (10 μM, 20 μM, 30 μM, 50 μM, 70 μM, 100 μM). A concentration‐dependent decrease in cell viability was observed by the DBP. The LD50, LD50/2, and 2∗LD50 were found to be 50 μM, 30 μM, and 80 μM on bovine lymphocytes, respectively. Then, these concentrations of DBP were utilized to perform comet, micronucleus assays, and oxidative stress. A concentration‐dependent increase in DNA damage, oxidative stress, and micronuclei formation was observed in lymphocytes by the DBP as compared to the control group. Highest genotoxic effects were observed at a concentration of 2∗LD50. Similarly, total oxidative stress was found higher, and antioxidative stress was lower in concentration‐dependent manner by the DBP. The current study revealed a significant cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative stress of DBP on cultured bovine lymphocytes.

Nowadays, green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively investigated to explore their biological potential. They are being explored to treat different infectious and cancerous diseases. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera on breast cancer (MCF-7) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) cell lines. M. oleifera-mediated AgNPs were synthesized from the M. oleifera extract (MOE) and then characterized through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis spectrophotometer. Biosynthesized AgNPs and MOE were employed on MCF-7 and HUVEC cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. More cytotoxic effects were observed by AgNPs and MOE on MCF-7 cell lines. The IC₅₀ for biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be 5 μg/mL. DNA damage was also observed by the MOE and AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, non-significant DNA damage was observed by MOE and AgNPs on HUVEC cell lines. The findings of the current study revealed the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of biosynthesized AgNPs on MCF-7 cell lines. However, these AgNPs were considered safe for normal HUVEC cell lines.