Casiano Muñiz, Ileska M.

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    Assessment of ecotoxicity and accumulation capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and benzophenone-2 UV filters using in vivo models
    (2024-05-10) Casiano Muñiz, Ileska M.; Román Velázquez, Félix R.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Rivera Portalatín, Nilka; Meléndez Martínez, Enrique; Latorre Esteves, Magda; Department of Chemistry; Sierra, Heidy
    The presence of ultraviolet (UV) filters in commercial products, such as personal care products (PCPs), has raised significant concerns regarding their environmental and public health impacts. Studies have shown widespread contamination of aquatic environments by UV filters, leading to adverse effects on aquatic organisms. These pollutants can accumulate in sediments, posing risks to aquatic species and potentially affecting ecosystems and humans through the food chain. This research aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the toxicity of UV filters and their implications for human health. Despite limited research on the effects of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and Benzophenone-2 (BP-2) on aquatic organisms, knowledge gaps remain. This study evaluated the ecotoxicity and environmental impacts of ZnO NPs and BP-2 using in vivo models. ZnO NPs (32.2 ± 5.2 nm), synthesized and characterized, were tested on zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Artemia salina revealing significant lethal concentrations (86.95 ± 0.21mg/L) and physical malformations in Artemia salina. Zinc was detected in fish tissues post-exposure, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, using ICP-OES. BP-2 toxicity was assessed using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) assays, which indicated CYP3A induction at chronic exposure and 10 mg/L concentration. Molecular docking results confirmed the PXR interaction, which suggests an induction mediated through PXR. Additional assays confirmed accumulation in the zebrafish GI tract, and the activity of catalase (CAT) progressively decreased with both prolonged exposure time and higher concentrations of BP-2. These results highlight the crucial role of UV filters in consumer goods and underscore the need to address concerns in this evolving field.