Engineered nanoparticles: Revisiting safety concerns in light of ethno medicine

Abstract

The nanoparticles are a miracle invention of the century that has opened novel avenues of applications in various fields. The safety aspect of exposure to nanoparticles for humans, plants, animals, soil micro-flora, and ecosystem at large has been questioned. The safety concern can be addressed by laboratory studies to assess the actual risk and recommend exposure limits and related regulation. There is also a suggestion for considering the nanoparticle form of conventional compounds as a new chemical and subject it to safety assessment in line with the chemical regulatory agencies. In the light of the current scenario of popularity and safety concerns regarding nanoparticles, the use of ancient metal based forms like, Bhasma is revisited in the present article. The current approach of green synthesis of nanoparticles is compared with the Ayurveda Rasayana Shastra guidelines of Bhasma preparation and modern preparation of engineered nanoparticles. Since the benefits of nanotechnology are undeniable, and safety concerns are also not ungrounded, there is a pressing need to revisit the ways nanoparticles are manufactured, and to carry out safety assessment by the techniques specially adapted for this novel compound.

The pathogenicity ofAspergillus fumigatus, drug resistance, and nanoparticle delivery

“…Though several nanomedicines have been approved for human use both in the European Union and the United States, safety issues still remain (Etheridge et al 2013;Dawidczyk et al 2014;Zeitoun et al 2016). One interesting approach to ameliorate toxicity is the green synthesis of nanoparticles using natural polymers such as chitin for nanoparticle coating (Palkhiwala and Bakshi 2014). Moreover, as this study also suggests, it is not wise to assume that the nanoparticle toxicity equates the toxicity of the bulk form of the product.…”

In-vitro Study on Genotoxicity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

“…The intended and unintended exposure to NPs of environment and humans raises concern due to their prolonged sustenance and potentially higher concentrations by various routes. The exposure may occur via three main portals of entry: (1) Inhalation via the respiratory tract, (2) Dermal exposure via skin and (3) Oral exposure via the gastrointestinal tract [1,2]. Like any xenobiotic, NPs can cause cellular toxicity in short term in addition to various possible detrimental effects on long term.…”

Nanotechnology in medicine: Leads from Ayurveda

“…With growing importance of nanotechnology in medicine and healthcare,[ 1 ] the advent of engineered nanoparticles in therapeutics is alarming for their possible harmful effects. [ 2 ] The ancient application of nanomedicine in the form of Ayurvedic Bhasma throws a light on the safer usage of present nanomedicine for a living being and the environment. [ 3 4 5 ] The use of nanoparticulate metals in therapeutics has been a common practice in Ayurveda.…”

“…Bhasma nanoparticles are organo-metallic/organo-mineral complexes as they are integrated with biological molecules (of organic liquid media), having improved stability, functionality, absorption, assimilation, bioavailability, biocompatibility, targeted delivery of ingredient, and effectiveness. [ 2 6 10 11 12 13 14 ] It is also noteworthy that Ayurvedic Bhasma is considered very safe and economical in comparison to contemporary metal based nanomedicines. [ 2 15 ]…”

“…[ 2 6 10 11 12 13 14 ] It is also noteworthy that Ayurvedic Bhasma is considered very safe and economical in comparison to contemporary metal based nanomedicines. [ 2 15 ]…”