Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles in Human Cells

The expanding use of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in plant health nanotechnology necessitates a clear understanding of their safety profiles in human cells. This chapter examines the cytotoxic and genotoxic consequences of AgNPs and AuNPs by integrating evidence on oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, DNA damage, and long-term genomic instability. Emphasis is placed on how nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and biological interactions govern toxicity, with comparative insights into AgNP-induced ionic effects and the relative stability of AuNPs. The chapter further links human cell toxicity to broader agricultural safety, highlighting exposure risks and the need for safe-by-design nanoformulations. These insights aim to guide the responsible and sustainable application of nanotechnology in plant health.