Nanoparticles in foods? A multiscale physiopathological investigation of iron oxide nanoparticle effects on rats after an acute oral exposure: Trace element biodistribution and cognitive capacities

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) are used in several fields of application, mainly in the biomedical field for their magnetic properties and in food additive known as “E172” for their colour. In the present investigation, we focused on IONP effects on Wistar rat following acute oral exposure. We performed a multiscale physiopathological investigation in order to elucidate potential toxic effects linked to IONP ingestion, especially on cognitive capacities, trace element distribution, blood constituents, organ functions, organ structure and iron deposit. We demonstrated that oral exposure to IONPs induces disturbances of certain parameters depending on the dose. Interestingly, the histopathological examination evidenced inflammatory effects of IONPs in the liver with iron deposits in hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells. Neurobehavioral examination showed that oral exposure to IONPs did not affect nor rat emotions, exploration and locomotion capacities, nor spatial reference memory status. Furthermore, oral administration of IONPs did not disrupt the trace element homeostasis nor in the liver neither in the stomach. Altogether, our study evidenced low signs of toxicity, but some effects lead us to a careful use of these NPs. Thereby, their use in foods should be further studied to better evaluate the potential toxic risks of the oral exposure to IONPs. •The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of acute oral exposure to Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) on rat.•Ingested IONPs induced haematological and biochemical disturbances.•No effects of ingested IONPs were evidenced on cognitive capacities.•Trace element homeostasis was maintained following IONP ingestion.•Ingested IONPs induced inflammatory response and iron deposits in the liver.