Silver or silver nanoparticles: a hazardous threat to the environment and human health? (original) (raw)
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Environmental and Human Health Issues of Silver Nanoparticles Applications
2011
The significant growth in applications of silver nanoparticles across various branches of industry as well as in consumer products has caused concerns that nanosilver may have a toxic effect on the environment and human health and may have implications for eco-terorism. This paper presents research on antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles. We studied the cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles via an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium-bromid) assay that measures cell activity through the mitochondrial cleavage of a molecule that exhibits a change of colour that can be measured spectrophotometrically. NIH-3T3 (Swiss mouse embryo), HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), A-549 (human lung carcinoma), PC-12 (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma), and Colo-320 (human colon adenocarcinoma) cells were chosen in order to study different possible absorption paths of nanoparticles into the organism and various areas of particle accumulation in the body. The obtained MTT test results have shown that silver nanoparticles with concentrations of ~1-10 ppm entering the body from air or liquid suspensions can present a potential risk to human health.
Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver which are in the range of 1 and 100 nm in size. Silver nanoparticles have unique properties which help in molecular diagnostics, in therapies, as well as in devices that are used in several medical procedures. The major methods used for silver nanoparticle synthesis are the physical and chemical methods. The problem with the chemical and physical methods is that the synthesis is expensive and can also have toxic substances absorbed onto them. To overcome this, the biological method provides a feasible alternative. The major biological systems involved in this are bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts. The major applications of silver nanoparticles in the medical field include diagnostic applications and therapeutic applications. In most of the therapeutic applications, it is the antimicrobial property that is being majorly explored, though the anti-inflammatory property has its fair share of applications. Though silver nanoparticles are rampantly used in many medical procedures and devices as well as in various biological fields, they have their drawbacks due to nanotoxicity. This review provides a comprehensive view on the mechanism of action, production, applications in the medical field, and the health and environmental concerns that are allegedly caused due to these nanoparticles. The focus is on effective and efficient synthesis of silver nanoparticles while exploring their various prospective applications besides trying to understand the current scenario in the debates on the toxicity concerns these nanoparticles pose.
SILVER NANOPARTICLES: MORPHOLOGY, ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH RISKS
In recent decades, the applying of nano-and micro-carriers in the pharmaceutical technology is growing rapidly. They are used to protect the drug from the harmful effects of the environment, to increase the rate and extent of dissolution and thus they improve its bioavailability or provide controlled release of the drug substance for a period of time, at the desired location. A number of metallic, polymeric or inorganic derivatives are used to obtain the nanocarriers. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), with their antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, are of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Several studies show that in addition to their beneficial effects on the human body, they can also cause side and toxic effects. The severity of these conditions is most often associated with the path of introduction of the Ag-NPs, their morphology, the dose and duration of the treatment. It is also of great significance the effect of such a production on the environment. The aim of this review is to evaluate the benefit – risk ratio of the use of Ag-NPs in the pharmaceutical practice.
Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, toxicology, applications and perspectives
Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2013
In recent years the outbreak of re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases has been a significant burden on global economies and public health. The growth of population and urbanization along with poor water supply and environmental hygiene are the main reasons for the increase in outbreak of infectious pathogens. Transmission of infectious pathogens to the community has caused outbreaks of diseases such as influenza (A/H 5 N 1), diarrhea (Escherichia coli), cholera (Vibrio cholera), etc throughout the world. The comprehensive treatments of environments containing infectious pathogens using advanced disinfectant nanomaterials have been proposed for prevention of the outbreaks. Among these nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with unique properties of high antimicrobial activity have attracted much interest from scientists and technologists to develop nanosilver-based disinfectant products. This article aims to review the synthesis routes and antimicrobial effects of Ag-NPs against various pathogens including bacteria, fungi and virus. Toxicology considerations of Ag-NPs to humans and ecology are discussed in detail. Some current applications of Ag-NPs in water-, air-and surface-disinfection are described. Finally, future prospects of Ag-NPs for treatment and prevention of currently emerging infections are discussed.
2016
Over the past few decades, nanoparticles of noble metals such as silver exhibited significantly distinct physical, chemical and biological properties from their bulk counterparts. Nano-size particles of less than 100nm in diameter are currently attracting increasing attention for the wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. Silver nanoparticles are of silver, which are in the range of 1 and 100 nm in size. Silver nanoparticles have unique properties which help in molecular diagnostics, in therapies, as well as in devices that are used in several medical procedures. The major methods used for silver nanoparticle synthesis are the physical and chemical methods. The problem with the chemical and physical methods is that the synthesis is expensive and can also have toxic substances absorbed onto them. To overcome this, the biological method provides a feasible alternative. The major biological systems involved in this are bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts. In most...
A review: Effect of silver nanoparticles on human health following various routes of administration
Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Individuals are employing silver nanoparticles in a wide range of medications, scientific studies and medical devices, which necessitates more study in order to understand the long-term implications of exposure. It is not always possible to avoid exposure to silver nanoparticles if they are spread across a large area, such as an industrial site. Silver nanoparticles can be inhaled, ingested, or interact with the skin. People's health is impacted by several aspects, including how much exposure (how much), how long they have had it (how long it is been), what form of exposure they have used, what other chemicals present in the environment (such pesticides), and how healthy they are at the time of exposure. Toxicology following exposure to silver in a variety of ways necessitates additional investigation, even though several studies have already been published (AgNPs).
Toxicity and Molecular Mechanisms of Actions of Silver Nanoparticles
Journal of Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology, 2023
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained popularity due to their antibacterial properties, and are therefore widely used in several applications such as wound dressings, food packaging, and water purification. However, the toxicity of AgNPs to humans and the environment is a growing concern. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of action of AgNPs. The toxicity of AgNPs can be attributed to their small size, which allows them to enter cells and interact with cellular components. Reports suggest that AgNPs can induce cell death, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in various cell types. The toxic effects of AgNPs differ based on their size, shape, surface charge, and coating. The molecular mechanisms behind the toxicity of AgNPs involve the production of reactive oxygen species, disruption of cellular membranes, and activation of proinflammatory cytokines. Overall, the toxicity of AgNPs is dependent on various factors, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind their toxicity. This review highlights the need for proper risk assessments and regulations to minimize the adverse effects of AgNPs on human health and the environment.
Silver nanoparticle applications and human health
Clinica Chimica Acta, 2010
Nanotechnology is rapidly growing with nanoparticles produced and utilized in a wide range of commercial products throughout the world. For example, silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) are used in electronics, biosensing, clothing, food industry, paints, sunscreens, cosmetics and medical devices. These broad applications, however, increase human exposure and thus the potential risk related to their short-and long-term toxicity. A large number of in vitro studies indicate that Ag NPs are toxic to the mammalian cells derived from skin, liver, lung, brain, vascular system and reproductive organs. Interestingly, some studies have shown that this particle has the potential to induce genes associated with cell cycle progression, DNA damage and apoptosis in human cells at non-cytotoxic doses. Furthermore, in vivo bio-distribution and toxicity studies in rats and mice have demonstrated that Ag NP administered by inhalation, ingestion or intra-peritoneal injection were subsequently detected in blood and caused toxicity in several organs including brain. Moreover, Ag NP exerted developmental and structural malformations in non-mammalian model organisms typically used to elucidate human disease and developmental abnormalities. The mechanisms for Ag NP induced toxicity include the effects of this particle on cell membranes, mitochondria and genetic material. This paper summarizes and critically assesses the current studies focusing on adverse effects of Ag NPs on human health.