gut microbiota of mice treated with ag-nanoparticles

Experimental and clinical evidences are shedding light on the complex entity of the intestinal microbiota and its multiple functions. The interaction between the microbiota and the immune system is crucial for the prevention and modulation of inflammatory, allergic and infectious diseases. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as antimicrobial agents and applied in many products (e.g. food packing materials and dietary supplements) and in some medical applications (e.g. wound dressing)Since humans and animals are very likely exposed to AgNPs, either intentionally or accidentally and ingestion of AgNPs represents a relevant route of exposure, the potential modification of intestinal microbiome should be investigated. To characterize by a meta-omic approach (NGS, metaproteomics) taxonomic and functional changes in mice gut microbiota induced by silver nanoparticles treatment and correlation with intestinal morphology and silver concentration will be investigated.