DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i05.015

Pages: 614-631

The study focuses on the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on oxidative stress enzymes in Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model organism for toxicological research. AgNPs, known for their unique antimicrobial properties, pose potential risks due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. The document emphasizes how exposure to AgNPs disrupts the antioxidant defence system by altering the activity of key enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis by neutralizing ROS, but prolonged exposure to AgNPs depletes their activity, resulting in cellular damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, the study highlights the involvement of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, a critical regulator of oxidative stress responses, which is dysregulated upon AgNP exposure. The consequences of AgNP-induced oxidative stress are far-reaching, affecting cellular integrity, inducing apoptosis, and impairing developmental processes. The study also discusses the potential environmental and health implications of AgNP exposure, suggesting that AgNPs can disrupt ecosystems and cause harm to non-target organisms. In response, future research aims to explore safer formulations of AgNPs with enhanced biocompatibility and reduced toxicity. This research is vital for assessing the safety of AgNPs, particularly in biomedical, industrial, and environmental applications, and for developing strategies to minimize their toxicological effects.