The Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in the Modulation of Movement Characteristics of Bull Spermatozoa

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have gained significant attention in reproductive biology due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in enhancing gamete functionality. This study investigates the effect of ZnO nanoparticles in modulating the motility characteristics of bull spermatozoa, which are critical for successful fertilization. Given the importance of spermatozoa motility in agricultural and veterinary practice, understanding the interactions between ZnO nanoparticles and spermatozoa could provide insight into new strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in cattle. We used computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA system) for accurate determination of motility, to evaluate the effect of different concentrations (1000; 500; 250; 125; 62.5; 31.2 and 15.6 μg/ml) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) on parameters such as total motility (MOT, %), progressive motility (PRO, %) and velocity curved line (VCL, μm/s) of bull spermatozoa at 37°C in time 0h, 3h and 5h. Pure saline served as a control, and the experimental concentrations of ZnO NPs were diluted also in saline. The results of our experiments show that the addition of 31.2 and 62.5 μg/ml ZnO NPs has a beneficial effect on the motility characteristics of bull spermatozoa. On the other hand, concentrations of 1000 and 500 μg/ml ZnO NPs were cytotoxic. Our findings suggest that it is necessary to elucidate the pathways by which ZnO nanoparticles affect spermatozoa motility, thus contributing to the broader discourse on nanotechnology in the field of reproductive health.