Toxicology and clinical potential of nanoparticles (original) (raw)

Toxicological considerations of clinically applicable nanoparticles

Nano Today, 2011

In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have increasingly found practical applications in technology, research and medicine. The small particle size coupled to their unique chemical and physical properties is thought to underlie their exploitable biomedical activities. Here, we review current toxicity studies of NPs with clinical potential. Mechanisms of cytotoxicity are discussed and the problem of extrapolating knowledge gained from cell-based studies into a human scenario is highlighted. The so-called 'proof-of-principle' approach, whereby ultra-high NP concentrations are used to ensure cytotoxicity, is evaluated on the basis of two considerations; firstly, from a scientific perspective, the concentrations used are in no way related to the actual doses required which, in many instances, discourages further vital investigations. Secondly, these inaccurate results cast doubt on the science of nanomedicine and thus, quite dangerously, encourage unnecessary alarm in the public. In this context, the discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo results are described along with the need for a unifying protocol for reliable and realistic toxicity reports.

Toxicologic Concerns with Current Medical Nanoparticles

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Nanotechnology is one of the scientific advances in technology. Nanoparticles (NPs) are small materials ranging from 1 to 100 nm. When the shape of the supplied nanoparticles changes, the physiological response of the cells can be very different. Several characteristics of NPs such as the composition, surface chemistry, surface charge, and shape are also important parameters affecting the toxicity of nanomaterials. This review covered specific topics that address the effects of NPs on nanomedicine. Furthermore, mechanisms of different types of nanomaterial-induced cytotoxicities were described. The distributions of different NPs in organs and their adverse effects were also emphasized. This review provides insight into the scientific community interested in nano(bio)technology, nanomedicine, and nanotoxicology. The content may also be of interest to a broad range of scientists.

Health concerns of various nanoparticles: A review of their in vitro and in vivo toxicity

2018

Nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in diverse disciplines, including biology, medicine science. The central question that need to be answered is whether NPs have toxic effects on biological cells and molecules or are they safe. The safety of NPs including targeted drug delivery is critical and so is their toxicity in the environment. In recent years, in vitro and in vivo research on animals has generated abundant information about the toxicity of NPs. However, due to varying laboratory conditions, the comparison of the results from ensuing studies is somewhat unreliable. It should be noted that, depending on the type of production, NPs can enter the body through inhalation, skin and via digestive routes. Due to the diversity of NPs and their properties, there is paucity of accurate information on their toxicological effects; particle size, shape, surface area and the chemical levels are considered as key factors in creating health and toxicological effects. Consequently, there is a...

Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Biomedical Application: Nanotoxicology

Journal of Toxicology, 2021

Nanoparticles are of great importance in development and research because of their application in industries and biomedicine. The development of nanoparticles requires proper knowledge of their fabrication, interaction, release, distribution, target, compatibility, and functions. This review presents a comprehensive update on nanoparticles’ toxic effects, the factors underlying their toxicity, and the mechanisms by which toxicity is induced. Recent studies have found that nanoparticles may cause serious health effects when exposed to the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact without caution. The extent to which toxicity is induced depends on some properties, including the nature and size of the nanoparticle, the surface area, shape, aspect ratio, surface coating, crystallinity, dissolution, and agglomeration. In all, the general mechanisms by which it causes toxicity lie on its capability to initiate the formation of reactive species, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity, among others.

In Vivo Toxicity of Nanoparticles: Modalities and Treatment

European Chemical Bulletin, 2014

In the present scenario, the burgeoning field of nanotechnology is playing central role in various real world applications. Researches engrossing nanoparticles are evolving at a rapid pace owing to which engineered nanomaterials are increasingly becoming part of daily life in the form of cosmetics, food packaging, drug delivery, therapeutics, biosensors, etc. It is intrigued that the properties of nanoparticles which bestow them their unique physicochemical characteristics could also lead to adverse biological consequences such as increased uptake and interaction with the biological systems. Nanomaterials, due to their small size could enter the body through various semi open anatomical interfaces and can penetrate through cells and organelles and disrupt their normal function, which could lead to tissue inflammation, altered cellular redox balance or even cell death. Nanoparticles unlike larger particles can transverse through the circulatory/lymphatic to various vital organs of th...

Nanotoxicology and in vitro studies: The need of the hour

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2012

In vitro cytotoxicity Bio-distribution of nanoparticles Genotoxicity of nanoparticles Molecular determinants of nanotoxicology Nanotechnology is considered as one of the key technologies of the 21st century and promises revolution in our world. Objects at nano scale, take on novel properties and functions that differ markedly from those seen in the corresponding bulk counterpart primarily because of their small size and large surface area. Studies have revealed that the same properties that make nanoparticles so unique could also be responsible for their potential toxicity. Nanotechnology is rapidly advancing, with more than 1000 nanoproducts already on the market. Considering the fact that intended as well as unintended exposure to nanomaterials is increasing and presently no clear regulatory guideline(s) on the testing/evaluation of nanoparticulate materials are available, the in vitro toxicological studies become extremely relevant and important. This review presents a summary of nanotoxicology and a concise account of the in vitro toxicity data on nanomaterials. For nanomaterials to move into the applications arena, it is important that nanotoxicology research uncovers and understands how these multiple factors influence their toxicity so that the ensuing undesirable effects can be avoided.

Assessment of Toxicity and Safety Profiles of Nanoparticles

Letters in Applied NanoBioscience, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2021

The world of medicine explored the use of nanoparticles in therapeutics in the last two decades. Owing to the advantages nanoparticles offer, they are proving beneficial to overcome many drawbacks faced by small drug molecules. Since the nature, architecture, shape, size, and mechanism of action of nanomedicines totally different from regularly used drugs, it is important to work on the possible toxicity these nanoparticles are causing so that its safety can be ensured. In today's scenario, a lot of industries and institutes are synthesizing nano drugs, so it is important to check its toxicity and safety evaluation under in vivo and in vitro conditions, as it has come to fore that number of metal and carbon-based nanoparticles, although proving useful further display increased toxicity. Taken into consideration nanoparticle toxicity and safety, the present review discusses the exact working of nanoparticles at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels and the toxicity associated with it. The present strategies for safety assessment have also been reviewed. The research involving nanomaterials in therapeutics demand strict regulation in nanoparticle synthesis, its usage, properly regulated clinical trials ensuring safety assessment.

Nanoparticles: pharmacological and toxicological significance

British Journal of Pharmacology, 2009

Nanoparticles are tiny materials (o1000 nm in size) that have specific physicochemical properties different to bulk materials of the same composition and such properties make them very attractive for commercial and medical development. However, nanoparticles can act on living cells at the nanolevel resulting not only in biologically desirable, but also in undesirable effects. In contrast to many efforts aimed at exploiting desirable properties of nanoparticles for medicine, there are limited attempts to evaluate potentially undesirable effects of these particles when administered intentionally for medical purposes. Therefore, there is a pressing need for careful consideration of benefits and side effects of the use of nanoparticles in medicine. This review article aims at providing a balanced update of these exciting pharmacological and potentially toxicological developments. The classes of nanoparticles, the current status of nanoparticle use in pharmacology and therapeutics, the demonstrated and potential toxicity of nanoparticles will be discussed.