Nanotoxicology : An Emerging Discipline

Abstract

Nanotoxicology refers to the study of the interactions of nanostructures with biological systems with an emphasis on elucidating the relationship between the physical and chemical properties of nanostructures with induction of toxic biological responses. Nanotoxicology is aimed at providing information on the potential toxicological effects, risk assessment and safety evaluation of nanostructured materials on human health. Nanoparticles present possible dangers, both medically and environmentally. They are also able to pass through cell membranes in organisms and their interactions with biological systems are relatively unknown. Animal studies have shown that nanoparticles can penetrate cells and tissues, move through the body and brain and cause biochemical damage. The greater chemical reactivity of nanomaterials result in increased production of reactive oxygen species which may contribute to similar patterns of cell injury and alterations at the molecular level by initiation, propagation and autocatalytic chain reactions. Intracellular signaling activation and inactivation of enzymes, stimulation, secretion and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and nuclear factor activation and alteration are also common events.

Neural Cell Chip Based Electrochemical Detection of Nanotoxicity

“…Macro, micro, or submicroscopic abrasion by any means represents an excellent port of entry for nanoparticles [ 1 , 45 ]. In addition, their subsequent translocation through the lymphatic channel followed by blood circulation allows their exposure throughout the body, which might result in generalized toxicity [ 1 , 45 ]. Therefore, nanoparticle’s toxicity assessment has enormous significance prior to their incorporation in the cosmetic products.…”

“…Nanoparticles are widely used in many materials, consumables and biomedical technologies. However, their potential risk for animal, human and environments is still to be identified [ 1 ]. In recent decades, nano-structured materials or biomaterials or nano-biomaterials have shown great promise for advancing the field of biology and medicine [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”

Recent Advancements in Plant-Derived Nanomaterials Research for Biomedical Applications

“…Over the past decade, nanotechnology has gained significant attention across an extensive range of applications, including in medicine, energy, healthcare, the environment, cosmetics, and drugs. For utilization in the medical field, the NPs should be of definite size because sizably voluminous NPs will be phagocytosed and expeditiously eliminated from the circulatory system, while profoundly diminutive NPs can become toxic and will undergo an expeditious abstraction from the kidney [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Nanomedicine can be applied as the application of various nanotechnology-based tools for the development of efficient solutions to overcome medical challenges and the management of several diseases.…”