Abstract
Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) has now received the attention of researchers due to ease of preparation and its potential to overcome hazards of these chemicals for an eco-friendly milieu. In this study, copper oxide (CuO) NPs were synthesised via Desmodium gangeticum aqueous root extract and standard chemical method, further characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The nephrotoxicity of the NP obtained from two routes were compared and evaluated at subcellular level in Wistar rat, renal proximal epithelial cells (LLC PK1 cell lines) and isolated renal mitochondria. CuO NP synthesised by chemical route showed prominent nephrotoxicity measured via adverse cytotoxicity to LLC PK1 cells, elevated renal oxidative stress and damage to renal tissue (determined by impaired alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, uric acid and creatinine in the blood). However, at the level of cell organelle, CuO NP from both routes are non-toxic to mitochondrial functional activity. The authors' finding suggests that CuO NP synthesised by chemical route may induce nephrotoxicity, but may be overcome by co-administration of antioxidants, as it is not mito-toxic.