LAUSR

Abstract In the current work, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were prepared by electrochemical method based on surfactant-free synthesis under vacuum. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrational sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Magnetite nanoparticles (at a dose of 40 mg/kg BW) were administered intraperitoneally to male rats daily up to 14 days. Additionally, a liver histopathology analysis was performed. After 7 days of the intraperitoneal administration of NPs, a significant increase in serum antioxidant enzyme activities was observed whereas other parameters remained unchanged. After two weeks of administration, significant decreases in serum antioxidant enzymes and a significant increase in serum ALT and AST were observed. Throughout the two weeks period, there was no significant difference in serum BUN and creatinine levels between the control group and the treatment group. Obtained results strongly suggest that the magnetite nanoparticles could be safe at proper dose for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.