Fuente: PubMed "microbial biotechnology" Anim Reprod Sci. 2026 Aug 15;293:108308. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108308. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the dose- and time-dependent effects of synthesized calcium oxide (CaO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) on sperm quality parameters and their antimicrobial efficacy during liquid preservation of boar semen. The synthesized NPs were characterised using standard analytical techniques, which confirmed their nanoscale size and stability. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening revealed that CaO-NPs at 10-1000 µM were non-cytotoxic to spermatozoa, thereby maintaining progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) during incubation at 37°C, while higher concentrations (≥5000 µM) were cytotoxic. Supplementation of CaO-NPs (50 and 100 µM) in Modena extender during liquid preservation at 16°C significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved sperm motility, PMI and MMP for up to 10 days in comparison to control (CON). Similarly, Ag-NPs tested at 0.01-10 µM showed dose- and time-dependent effects; 10 µM concentration exhibited cytotoxicity, whereas 0.01-1 µM were non-toxic. Supplementation of 0.01 µM Ag-NPs significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) sperm motility and PMI up to 10 days of preservation, maintaining MMP until day 7, while 0.1 µM preserved sperm quality parameters up to day 5 of preservation. Both CaO-NP and Ag-NP treatments markedly reduced colony-forming units (CFUs) by more than 1000-fold compared with the negative CON. However, neither NP treatment achieved antibacterial efficacy comparable to the antibiotic-treated positive CON. Overall, the study highlights the dual role of CaO and Ag NPs, as biocompatible and effective additives for enhancing boar semen preservation. By improving sperm quality and reducing microbial growth, these NPs may point towards decreased reliance on antibiotics in semen extenders. These findings provide new insights into the safe and functional application of nanomaterials in reproductive biotechnology.PMID:42623923 | DOI:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2026.108308