Inactivation of cholinesterases by silver and gold ions in vitro

Abstract

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of silver and gold ions on cholinesterases (ChEs) activity due to increasing application of these metals in a wide variety of nanomaterials. A chromogenic assay using the substrate o-nitrophenyl acetate/butyrate made it possible to conclude unmistakably that both metals inhibit ChEs. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) indicates that binding of metal ions to albumin could serve to scavenge metals and consequently reduce their amount for reaction with ChEs. The effects of metal ions on ChE should be taken into consideration when using this enzyme as an environmental biomarker. © Versita Sp. zo.o.