Abstract: Gold nanoparticles have triggered an emerging interest for research and application because of their outstanding characteristics such as easy-synthesis, easy-modification, photothermal transferring and good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, gold nanoparticles are non-degradable by organisms, which causes many researchers investigating the toxicity of gold nanoparticles. This paper focused on the reproductive toxicity of gold nanoparticles on germ cells, female and male, and posterity. The progresses and prospects of research on reproductive toxicity of gold nanoparticles were reviewed.

Key words: gold nanoparticles, reproductive toxicity, blood-testis barrier, blood-placental barrier