Gold nanoparticles: Distribution, bioaccumulation and toxicity. In vitro and in vivo studies

10, 30 and 60 nm diameter gold nanoparticles were administered to cell cultures and Wistar rats. Size-dependent biodistribution and excretion routes were observed in vivo. The accumulation of gold in the organs and the subcellular distribution caused an overproduction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that originated protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The smallest nanoparticles showed the most deleterious effects.73