Influence of silver nanoparticles on the activity of rat liver mitochondrial ATPase

Mitochondria are one of the most sensitive targets for the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Limited studies have demonstrated nanoparticle-induced impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production can be due to inhibition of the respiratory chain and/or to direct effects of AgNPs on the activity of mitochondrial ATP synthase/ATPase. In this regard, we synthesized and evaluated the in vitro effects of two types of AgNPs with various environmental friendly coatings—polysaccharide starch (AgNPs/Starch, D av = 15.4 ± 3.9 nm) and trisaccharide raffinose (AgNPs/Raff, D av = 24.8 ± 6.8 nm), with an emphasis on their potential action on rat liver mitochondrial ATPase. Both types of AgNPs showed decoupling effect on intact mitochondria. Unlike AgNPs/Raff, AgNPs/Starch reduced 2,4-dinitrophenol-stimulated ATPase activity of intact mitochondria, which suggests that they are able to penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane. Both types of AgNPs inhibited ATPase activity of freeze/thawed mitochondria and submitochondrial particles as the effects of AgNPs/Starch were more pronounced. UV–Visible absorption measurements showed changes in the absorption spectrum of AgNPs/Raff added to the reaction medium. This suggests nanoparticle aggregation and thus a possible reduction in their reactivity. The distinction in the effects of the two types AgNPs studied may be due to their different sizes and/or to the stabilizing agents used for their synthesis, which determine AgNPs colloidal stability in the assay media. This study suggests the need for further research into the importance of surface modifications of AgNPs for their interaction with cellular components. Our findings could contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying AgNPs toxicity.