Use of Autometallography in Studies of Nanosilver Distribution and Toxicity

Abstract

With the increasing use of and interest in nanoparticles in medicine and technology, the tissue and cell-specific localization of the particles are important considerations when the nanomaterials find their way into biological systems. This brief communication shows the utility of autometallography in determining the location of metal deposition at the light microscopic level. Although primarily focusing on studies of the toxicity and deposition of silver nanoparticles, use of autometallography to localize zinc and other metals at the tissue and subcellular localization is also recognized.