ИСТИНА

In assessing the toxicity of NPs, besides chemical concentrations, the physical properties should also be taken into account. Size effect of nanoparticles is presented in a large number of publications. The role of other physical and chemical parameters is often not taken into consideration. Shape, surface area, size distribution and other parameters are one of the most prominent factors, which might determine activity of NPs. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the toxicity of various shapes of NPs. In general, evidence was found that particle shape is closely correlated with toxicity. This relationship is not conclusive because the toxic effects are also species-specific and composition-dependent [ , , ]. We evaluated the toxicity of suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles — nanospheres, nanosticks, cuboidal submicron particles (SMPs), and Zn(NO3)2 to the embryos. The harmful behavior of flat and spherical silver NPs to zebrafish was assessed. We analyzed influence NPs on survival, hatching rate and morphogenesis of zebrafish embryos. Toxicity of NPs were compared with data for silver ions.