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Abstract
Background The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has expanded the use of nanomaterials across biomedical
and industrial applications. Engineered gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have attracted considerable interest for diagnostic
and therapeutic applications; however, their ability to cross the placental barrier and the potential for fetotoxic effects
remain insufficiently explored.
Results This study aimed to investigate the transplacental transfer and developmental toxicity of biosynthesized
Au NPs in a BALB/c mouse model. Pregnant mice were assigned to three groups: a control group (G1) and two
treatment groups receiving intravenous doses of 10 µg/g/day (G2) or 20 µg/g/day (G3). Morphological examination
of fetal skeletal structures using light microscopy revealed no overt abnormalities. In contrast, comprehensive skeletal
assessment using an advanced multimodal complementary laser-based platform demonstrated significant dose-
dependent alterations. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) detected pronounced dysregulation of calcium
and magnesium critical for bone mineralization. Additionally, laser speckle imaging enabled sensitive, nondestructive
evaluation of microstructural changes associated with fetal bone ossification and alterations in mineral content. The
integrated analysis revealed disrupted ossification centers, abnormal bone density signatures, and subtle skeletal
anomalies that were undetectable by conventional microscopy.
Conclusions The combined application of LIBS and laser speckle imaging proved highly sensitive in identifying
early elemental imbalances and microstructural defects in fetal bone development following Au NPs exposure.
These findings emphasize the value of advanced photonic and spectroscopic techniques for nanosafety assessment
and underscore the necessity for thorough in vivo evaluation of the potential developmental risks associated with
biosynthesized gold nanoparticles.
Keywords Metal nanoparticles , Transplacental transfer, Nanotoxicology, LIBS, Laser speckle imaging, Osteological |
