The Accumulation and Distribution of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Açaí in C. elegans Do Not Cause Redox Toxicity

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) has been proposed as a safer and more sustainable alternative for AgNP production. However, limited information exists on the toxicity mechanisms and accumulation of green-synthesized AgNP. In this study, we used AgNP synthesized with Amazonian açaí (Bio-AgNP) to evaluate their accumulation and biochemical effects in Caenorhabditis elegans. Bio-AgNP were synthesized using aqueous extract of lyophilized açaí pulp as reducing and stabilizing agent. Caenorhabditis elegans N2 wild-type (L1 larvae) were exposed to 5 and 10 mg/L Bio-AgNP for 52 h. Silver accumulation and distribution were assessed, and GSH and GSSG levels quantified. Our results showed that Bio-AgNP accumulated in C. elegans (3.6 ± 0.5 and 17.9 ± 1.8 pg Ag/µg protein, respectively), distributed throughout the body, particularly in the midgut. However, no statistical significant changes in GSH or GSSG were detected. Overall, Bio-AgNP accumulate in C. elegans without affecting the GSH/GSSG redox balance, These findings support the potential of green chemistry as a sustainable pathway for nanoparticle production with reduced toxicological impact compared with AgNP produced by chemical synthesis.