Effects of long-term oral administration of silver nanoparticles on the cognitive functions of mammals

Introduction. Since the beginning of the XXI century, silver nanoparticles have been widely used in various industries, medicine and pharmaceuticals due to their pronounced antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal properties. In connection with such a high demand for the use of silver nanoparticles, it is very important to understand the associated potential risks from their use.

Materials and methods. In the course of the work, there has been a study of the effects of the long-term oral administration of a commercially produced dietary supplement based on silver nanoparticles with a size of 34 nm and stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone in an amount of 50 μg/day/animal on the cognitive functions of C57Bl/6 mice, as well as their accumulation in the brain by the method of instrumental neutron activation analysis. The dietary supplement used is recommended for people as a treatment for gastrointestinal infections. 

Results. It was found that after 180 days of administration, silver nanoparticles impair long-term contextual memory, and over time, the content of silver in the brain increases.

Conclusion. Presumably impaired cognitive function with accumulation of silver in the brains of mice. This poses the risk of prolonged oral use of the silver nanoparticles.