Modern nanotechnology allows obtaining zinc oxide nanomaterials with unique properties that let its use in a wide range of commercial applications. Direct contact with these particles as well as their release into the environment is almost inevitable. This review aims to consider whether the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles found in numerous test models is a real threat to humans and plants. Emerging reports indicated both the risks and benefits associated with the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles in a manner dependent on the concentration and a method of synthesis, as well as the tested object. The amounts needed to achieve the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs, and the reported amounts of these nanoparticles in the environment consumer products are sufficient to have a negative impact on living organisms. The most sensitive to their action are human cells, and the mechanism of cytotoxicity is mainly associated with the formation of oxidative stress caused by the action of zinc ions. ZnO-NPs in small concentration can have positive affect to plants, but it poses a threat to more sensitive ones.

Metal nanoparticles significantly affect the physiological properties of plants, e.g., seed germination, growth and metabolism. In the present study, the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver ions were studied on callus cells of two varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): stress tolerant—Parabola; stress sensitive—Raweta. Stress induced by silver particles or ions (0, 20, 40, 60 ppm) was investigated using different parameters such as morphological characteristics, lipid peroxidation and mobilization of defense system which was determined by analyzing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) and proline contents. Microscopic observations revealed deformation of cells after treatment by sol of higher silver concentrations. An increase in malondialdehyde content in both studied varieties was observed. Tested varieties showed an increased proline content in the silver-treated cells. There was no effect of silver on the superoxide dismutases activity, while the activity of catalase was significantly decreased. The changes in the activity of peroxidases in both varieties were opposite. The highest content of intracellular GSH was noticed at a concentration of 20 ppm of both AgNPs and silver ions. The presented results demonstrate a significant similarity of the effects caused by the studied stressors: silver nanoparticles and silver ions. The results characterized the mechanism of action of nanosilver on wheat callus: morphology disorder, damage to cell membranes, severe oxidative stress and in consequence intensification of production of non-enzymatic antioxidants.

Contents of ethylene, osmoprotectants, levels and forms of polyamines (PAs) and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the leaves and roots were investigated for five wheat cultivar seedlings (differing in drought tolerance) exposed to osmotic stress (−1.5 MPa). Stress was induced by 2-day-long treatment of plants with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) or NaCl added to hydroponic cultures. Nawra, Parabola and Manu cv. (drought tolerant) showed a marked increase in osmoprotectors (proline and soluble carbohydrates, mainly glucose, saccharose and maltose), free PAs (putrescine Put, spermidine Spd and spermine Spm) and Spd-conjugated levels, in both leaves and roots, after PEG-treatments. Radunia and Raweta (drought sensitive) exhibited smaller changes in the content of these substances. The analysis of enzymes involved in proline metabolism revealed the glutamate as a precursor of proline synthesis in PEG-induced stress conditions. The increase in the activity of antioxidative enzymes, especially catalase and peroxidases, was characteristic for tolerant wheat plants, but for sensitive ones, a decrease in superoxide dismutase and an increase in mainly glutathione reductase activities were observed. After NaCl-treatment smaller changes of all biochemical parameters were registered in comparison with PEG-induced stress. Exceptions were the higher values of ethylene content and a significant increase in saccharose, raffinose and maltose levels (only in stress sensitive plants). The proline synthesis pathway was stimulated from both glutamate and ornithine precursors. These results suggest that the accumulation of inorganic ions in NaCl-stressed plants may be involved in protective mechanisms as an additional osmoregultor. Thus, a weaker stressogenic effect as determined as water deficit by leaf relative water content and relative dry weight increase rate and differences in metabolite synthesis in comparison with PEG stress was observed. Proline seems to be the most important osmo-protector in osmotic stress initiated by both PEG and NaCl. The synthesis of sugars and PAs may be stimulated in a stronger stress conditions (PEG).

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgN) in the articles of common use justifies the need to investigate their effects on the human body. Nanosilver toxicity of highly purified, stable, and well-characterized Ag sol toward human immune cells at various differentiation stages has been studied. Human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60) were differentiated to granulocytes using dimethyl sulfoxide and to macrophage-like cells by phorbol ester. Human monocytic cells (U-937) were differentiated to monocytes and macrophages by phorbol ester. In the presence of AgN, different changes of their survival time were observed depending on cell differentiation. Differentiated cells showed a significantly higher resistance than the non-differentiated cells, depending on the contact time and AgN concentration. In the presence of AgN at concentration of 25 mg/l, fraction of non-differentiated cells alive after 24 h was equal to 45 %; for granulocytes this number increased to 75 % and for macrophages to 65 %. The presence of AgN increases the levels of intracellular antioxidant —glutathione and of nitric oxide — one of inflammation mediators. By checking the effect caused by effluent obtained from AgN sol purification resulting at AgN sol purification, it was proved that cytotoxity should be attributed to the action of silver particles themselves.