Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles Toxicity Study
Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles Toxicity Study
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This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ([Link]
RESEARCH ARTICLE eISSN: 2306-3599; pISSN: 2305-6622
Roshan Riaz1, Muhammad Asif2, Gulnaz Afzal2, Urva-Til-Wusqa2, Mubeen Talib2, Moeen Afzal2, Shanzab Noor3,
Hafiz Muhammad Nouman1, Arooj Ali4, Konul Ahmadova5, Rashid Iqbal5,6 and Riaz Hussain7,*
1Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, 36100 Kars, Türkiye
2Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
3Department of Biomedical Engineering (Medicine), Shenzhen University, China
4Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Institute of Physics,
63100, Pakistan
5Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan
6Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
7Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
Keywords: Albino Rats, Copper ferrite, Erythrocytes, Bone marrow, Oxidative stress,
Antioxidative enzymes
Cite this Article as: Riaz R, Asif M, Afzal G, Ur-Til-Wusqa, Talib M, Afzal M, Noor S, Nouman HM, Ali
A, Ahmadova K, Iqbal R and Hussain R, 2025. Investigation of oxidative stress and antioxidative enzymes
in erythrocytes and bone marrow of albino rats treated with different concentrations of copper ferrite
nanoparticles. International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences xx(x): xx-xx.
[Link] A Publication of Unique
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2 Int J Agri Biosci, 2025, xx(x): xxx-xxx.
Despite the advantageous properties of copper ferrite, teeth of albino rats, aiming to gain a deeper understanding
concerns have emerged regarding its toxicological effects of the potential risks associated with their widespread
on biological systems. Nanoparticles may influence stress applications and exposure.
response mechanisms and interact with proteins in living
organisms. Nanoparticle exposure can cause oxidative MATERIALS & METHODS
stress and disrupt proteins involved in stress response
pathways (CAT, SODs, GPXs, GR, PRDXs, PDI and CAT). It is This research was approved by the Board of Studies,
now widely accepted that manufactured NPs cause Department of Zoology and Advanced Studies, and the
oxidative stress by producing damaging reactive oxygen Advanced Studies and Research Board, the Islamia
species. Nanoparticles' propensity to create ROS is University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan.
influenced by their physicochemical features, which include
size, shape, structure, and metal contents (Cameron et al., Study Animal
2022). Increased oxidative stress is one of the most Research was conducted in the Animal Rooms at
important processes in nanoparticle-induced toxicity, Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus, Department of Agriculture, IUB.
described as “a shift in the prooxidant or antioxidant Twenty male adult albino rats free of any clinical ailments
balance in favor of the former” (Horie & Tabei, 2021). were used in this study. The rats were obtained from IUB,
Enhanced levels of ROS lead to pathophysiological Baghdad ul Jadeed campus (Pakistan). Each rat was housed
outcomes, including inflammation, DNA damage, and in a metal wire cage with a regular dark/light interval and
fibrosis, which can contribute to the development of various constant temperature. Water and food were accessible
diseases, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, neurological every day. The CuFe2O4 NPs were obtained from the
disorders, autoimmune diseases, and type 2 diabetes (Xuan Institute of Physics, IUB.
et al., 2023). Due to their small size, nanoparticles can pass
through and traverse physiological barriers, traveling via the Experimental Design and Treatment
circulatory system to affect multiple tissues and thereby The rats were divided into four treatment groups: A, B,
impact animal and human health (Ghonimi et al., 2022). C, and D. Each group consisted of five rats. Group A was
Copper ferrite nanoparticles are frequently used in named the control group. All rats were fed commercial
biomedicine, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic cell chicken feed. The weekly body weight of every male in each
separation, as well as energy storage devices, magnetic group was determined using a digital weight computerized
storage medium and spintronic and electromagnetic weight balance. For 15 days, rats in categories B, C and D
appliances (Saikova et al., 2023). Humans are at high risk of were given daily injections of CuFe2O4 NPs. Rats in group B
exposure to nanoparticles, which can enter the body were administered CuFe2O4 NPs at a dose of 2.5mg/kg BW.
through various pathways, including the digestive, Rats in group C received 5.0mg/kg while rats in group D
respiratory, and skin systems, during the production, use, were administered CuFe2O4 NPs @7.5mg/kg BW. The
and disposal of nanoparticles. Once deposited in specific nanoparticles were administered intraperitoneally daily for
areas of the body, nanoparticles are transported to different 15 days. The rats were keenly observed daily. Sampling was
tissues through the lymphatic or circulatory system. Due to conducted on days 5, 10, and 15 of the experiment.
their stability, nanomaterials persist in the body and
environment for an extended period, with potential health Sample Processing and Biochemical Analysis
repercussions from accelerated exposure to nanoparticles Erythrocytes and bone marrow cells were collected
that are not yet fully defined. However, there is scarce from all experimental rats at days 5, 10, and 15th of the
evidence indicating possible toxic effects (Dobrzyńska et al., research trial. The cells were then washed with phosphate
2014). buffer saline and lysed with distilled water to release their
Earlier studies have demonstrated the harmful effects of contents. The lysates were centrifuged at 3000rpm for ten
copper ferrite nanoparticles in human cell culture, minutes and the resulting supernatants were stored at -
highlighting significant alterations in cellular morphology 20˚C. TBARS and ROS were measured at absorbance of 532
and survival (Ahmad et al., 2016). Additionally, a study on and 505nm according to previous protocol (Akram et al.,
Wistar rats demonstrated that intraperitoneal injections of 2021). Other parameters such as CAT, POD and SOD were
CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles can disrupt antioxidant activities and measured at absorbance of 240, 470, and 560nm
blood plasma parameters in a gender-specific manner, respectively, using ultraviolet spectrophotometer in
indicating overall toxicity (Riaz et al., 2020). Exposure to erythrocytes and bone marrow of rats following the
metal oxide NPs, including silver and copper nanomaterials, previous protocol (Ghazanfar et al., 2018).
has been shown to adversely affect survival, body weight,
size and structure in aquatic species, signifying potential Histopathology Analysis
environmental and health hazards (Ostaszewska et al., For histopathological analysis, at day 15, the different
2016). Erythrocytes are highly susceptible to nanoparticles, teeth were carefully extracted from each rat. The teeth were
which can induce oxidative stress, thereby impairing their fixed in 10% formalin. Following decalcification, the teeth
function and lifespan. This study investigates the oxidative were then embedded in paraffin and thin blocks and
stress induced by copper ferrite nanoparticles, as well as the sections were cut using a microtome and stained using
antioxidant mechanism, particularly in erythrocytes and Hematoxylin and Eosin. These stained sections were
bone marrow, and the histopathological changes in the observed for microscopic changes (Nursanti et al., 2017).
3 Int J Agri Biosci, 2025, xx(x): xxx-xxx.
materials research. Different features including synthesis, switching under various situations. Research on the
characterization, size, nanocomposites, nanomaterials and potential hazards of spinel ferrite nanoparticles has grown
route of exposure play important role in the pathogenesis considerably in recent years. Given their wide range of
of induction of toxic effects in target and non-target animals applications, it is crucial to evaluate their toxicity on
different tissues. The extensive utilization of CuFe₂O₄
Table 4: Severity of histopathological ailments in teeth of albino rats treated nanoparticles in biological fields has gained significant
with different doses of copper ferrite nanoparticles
scientific interest; however, their associated toxicity and
Histopathological Lesions TREATMENTS
A(0.0 B(2.5 C(5.0 D(7.5 environmental risks must also be carefully considered
mg/kg) mg/kg) mg/kg) mg/kg) (Srikanth & Nutalapati, 2022).
Inflammatory reactions - ++ ++ ++++ Prolonged contact to nanoparticles presents potential
Pulp calcifications - ++ ++ ++++
Increase in cellularity of fibrocytes - ++ +++ +++
risks to animal life and human health, requiring though
Increased resorption of dentin - ++ ++ +++ assessment and examination of environmental pollutants
Hyaline necrosis - ++ +++ ++++ to minimize their adverse impacts (Ali et al., 2024).
Thickness of periodontal tissue - ++ +++ ++++
Numerous studies have highlighted concerns regarding
Necrosis of odontoblasts - ++ +++ ++++
Disrupted fibers - ++ ++++ +++ the deleterious effects of manufactured nanomaterials in
Decrease vascularization of pulp tissue - ++ +++ ++++ living species primarily focusing on exposure levels (Anwar
Decrease of the mineral contents - ++ +++ ++++ et al., 2023). A key issue is the induction of oxidative stress
Increased dentin bridge thickness - + +++ ++++
Elevated percentage of osteoclasts - ++ +++ ++++
(Cao et al., 2020) in different tissues when exposed to NPs
which are utilized in (Pandey & Saha, 2023), surface
modification (Oliva et al., 2023), lubrication, stabilization,
cellular delivery (Dang et al., 2014; Hasan et al., 2013) and
energy harvesting (Samy et al., 2022). Due to their nanoscale
dimensions and elevated surface area relative to volume,
nanoparticles can interact with biological molecules
(Hussain et al., 2023). They also readily penetrate nuclear
and cell membranes, causing indirect damage such as
oxidative stress and inflammatory responses (Hasan et al.,
2021; Javed et al., 2023; Zafar et al., 2020).
Previously, potential concerns linked with the
applications of nanomaterials, including genotoxicity
mechanisms and health risks, have gained significant
attention (Ghouri et al., 2023). These nanoparticles can
generate reactive oxygen species either through direct and
indirect pathways, leading to genotoxicity, cellular damage,
and cell death (Huang et al., 2022; Huang et al., 2023).
Numerous studies examining various nanomaterials such as
copper iron oxide, calcium nanoparticles, copper
nanoparticles, nickel-iron oxide, and zinc-iron oxide have
reported harmful effects on multiple species, including
human cells, primarily through the induction of oxidative
stress. With nanotechnology rapidly advancing across
medicine, industry and nutrition, understanding and
mitigating these effects has become increasingly important.
A previous study also reported an increase in ROS
production as well as DNA damage on exposure to the ZnO
nanomaterials (Iqbal et al., 2024). ROS levels in cells range
from low to high, leading to a variety of effects, including
Fig. 1: Photomicrograph of teeth of albino rats of group C (a) and D (b)
treated with higher doses of nanoparticles at day 15 indicating various apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis (Younas et al., 2024).
histopathological lesions. Dentin (D), increased osteoclast and resorption Different types of nanoparticles, insecticides and herbicides
lacunae (red arrows), increased fibrocytes (*) disrupted fibers (DF), are known to trigger oxidative stress by generating
inflammatory material (black arrow), mononuclear cell infiltration (red and
black arrow heads) increased thickness of peridentin (PD), necrosis of
intracellular reactive oxygen species (Horie & Tabei, 2021;
odontoblasts (blue arrow) and hyaline necrosis (HN). H & E stain; 400X. Kanwal et al., 2024; Shafqat et al., 2024)
The considerable rise in oxidative damage indicators
from the macroscopic to the microscopic level. Because and diminished levels of several antioxidant proteins in
of this shift in properties, NPs and nanotechnology are bone marrow and erythrocytes of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles
incredibly significant for a variety of applications including exposed rats in this study might be attributed to the
health management (Xuan et al., 2023). Copper ferrite activation of an immune response (Zhuo et al., 2024). Earlier,
nanoparticles (CuFe2O4NPs) are the most significant and different investigations (Srisuvetha et al., 2020; Zhuo et al.,
important ferrites that exhibit point transitions, changes in 2024) demonstrated that interaction with nanoparticles
semiconductor nature, tetragonality variation and electrical stimulates NLRP3 complexes resulting in cellular
5 Int J Agri Biosci, 2025, xx(x): xxx-xxx.
impairment and the activation of inflammatory processes in nanoparticles induce oxidative stress and alter the
tissues producing oxidative stress. antioxidant defense system in the erythrocytes and bone
Therefore, oxidative stress, which elevates the marrow of albino rats in a dose-dependent manner. The
production of reactive species and causes the death of significant increase in TBARS and ROS levels, coupled with
numerous cellular organelles, may be the cause of the the depletion of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD and
reduced levels of diverse antioxidant biomarkers in rats' CAT), suggests that copper ferrite nanoparticles disrupt
teeth. According to several research in previously published redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative damage. The
literature, oxidative stress causes damage to various cells highest dose (7.5mg/kg) exhibited the most pronounced
and can interfere with regular physiological processes, toxic effects, indicating potential risks associated with
resulting in tissue necrosis through programmed cell death prolonged or high-dose exposure. These findings
(Ali et al., 2024; Samim et al., 2023). highlight the importance of evaluating the
There have been several histological abnormalities biocompatibility and toxicity of copper ferrite
found in rats' teeth as a consequence of oxidative stress nanoparticles before their biomedical applications. Further
induction (Yaman et al., 2018). CuFe2O4 NPs may cause in-depth studies, including long-term exposure
histological and oxidative illnesses in the current assessments and molecular mechanisms of toxicity, are
investigation due to excessive free radical release, essential to establish safe dosage limits and explore
antioxidant depletion and activation of signaling cascades. possible protective strategies against nanoparticle-
Free radicals have been shown to engage immediately with induced oxidative stress.
many micro and macromolecular structures, such as lipids,
proteins and DNA present in different types of cells, DECLARATIONS
resulting in oxidative stress-associated damages. The
significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress indices Funding: The authors express their sincere gratitude to the
(TBARS and ROS) in rat erythrocytes and bone marrow in Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, for providing
this study show that CuFe2O4 NPs caused pathological financial and infrastructural support.
alterations in cell membrane integrity, resulting in reduced
antioxidant levels. Conflict of Interest: All authors of the manuscript declare
Furthermore, it has been reported that oxidative that they have no financial or personal interests.
damage caused by nanoparticles lowers the levels of
enzymatic antioxidants, a widely recognized secondary Data Availability: All the data is included in this manuscript
defensive mechanism (Ghaffar et al., 2021; Sanati et al., and can be obtained from the corresponding author on
2022; Wang et al., 2022). CAT and SOD neutralize reasonable request.
superoxide free radicals and detoxify H₂O₂, whereas POD
scavenges lipid hydroperoxides (Hussain et al., 2018; Kumar Ethics Statement: This study was approved by the Board of
et al., 2023). Therefore, the reduction of these proteins Studies of the relevant department and conducted
produces oxidative impairments in various organs. following the guidelines established by the Bioethics
Reactive oxygen species (oxygen-based free radicals) Committee of Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
are highly reactive and can cause damage to various
biological structures, including DNA. Bone marrow and Author’s Contribution: Muhammad Asif: Execution,
erythrocytes are vital parts of the blood-forming system, Investigation, Methodology, manuscript preparation.
and they are particularly vulnerable to reactive damage. Gulnaz Afzal and Riaz Hussain: Supervision and data
Investigating the harmful effects of CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles analysis. Roshan Riaz and Hafiz Muhammad Nouman:
(NPs) is crucial to identifying possible hazards associated Conceptualization, involved in manuscript writing and
with their applications (Samy et al., 2022). Extensive formal analysis: Moeen Afzal, Ur-Til-Wusqa, Mubeen Talib
research has explored the cytotoxic effects of these NPs and Shanzab Noor: Writing of initial manuscript, data
using various animal models (Chong et al., 2021; Han et al., collection and Investigation: Arooj Ali: Data Curation,
2016). While some investigations have demonstrated that Methodology, Validation. Rashid Iqbal and Konul
these NPs exhibit dose-dependent cytotoxicity, others Ahmadova: Formal Analysis and Resources. Riaz Hussain:
have reported minimal to no adverse effects on cells (Chen Conceptualization, Writing – R.
et al., 2019; Hanley et al., 2009; Namvar et al., 2015). Our
results align with earlier research that has reported Generative AI Statement: The authors declare that no Gen
increased levels of oxidative stress indicators (ROS and AI/DeepSeek was used in the writing/creation of this
TBARS) and reduced antioxidant enzymatic antioxidants manuscript.
activity in tissues such as the bone marrow and teeth.
Histopathological examination of the treated rats' muscle Publisher’s Note: All claims stated in this article are
(gum) tissues revealed atrophied cell, muscular fiber exclusively those of the authors and do not necessarily
degeneration and the presence of inflammatory represent those of their affiliated organizations or those of
components (Mahmood et al., 2024). the publisher, the editors, and the reviewers. Any product
that may be evaluated/assessed in this article or claimed by
Conclusion its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the
This study demonstrates that copper ferrite publisher/editors.
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