Impact of nickel oxide nanoparticles on yeast physiology

Abstract

[Excerpt] In the recent years, nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs), have been used in different fields, such as in biosensors, catalysis, ceramics, electrochromic film, electronics, conductive and magnetic materials, energy storage devices, fuel cells, printing inks and wastewater treatment [1-2]. Due to the increasing use of these NPs, concerns about their possible toxic effects have been raised. In the present study, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a cell model to evaluate the possible hazards of NiO NPs. Physicochemical characteristics of NiO in MES buffer, namely NPs agglomeration (examined by dynamic light scattering – DLS), surface charge (determination of zeta potential) and dissolution of the NPs (quantification of Ni2+ released in medium) were evaluated in order to be correlated with their toxicity. [...]