Metal‐based nanoparticles and their toxicity assessment

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) can potentially cause adverse effects on organ, tissue, cellular, subcellular, and protein levels due to their unusual physicochemical properties (e.g., small size, high surface area to volume ratio, chemical composition, crystallinity, electronic properties, surface structure reactivity and functional groups, inorganic or organic coatings, solubility, shape, and aggregation behavior). Metal NPs, in particular, have received increasing interest due to their widespread medical, consumer, industrial, and military applications. However, as particle size decreases, some metal-based NPs are showing increased toxicity, even if the same material is relatively inert in its bulk form (e.g., Ag, Au, and Cu). NPs also interact with proteins and enzymes within mammalian cells and they can interfere with the antioxidant defense mechanism leading to reactive oxygen species generation, the initiation of an inflammatory response and perturbation and destruction of the mitochondria causing apoptosis or necrosis. As a result, there are many challenges to overcome before we can determine if the benefits outweigh the risks associated with NPs.

Sex selection of sperm in farm animals: status report and developmental prospects

“…After fusion of the gametes, a series of reprogramming events is activated, which includes DNA methylation, protamine exchange, histone marks, embryonic genome activation and degradation of maternal and paternal transcripts and proteins (Bermejo- Alvarez et al 2008, Kues et al 2008a. A well-orchestrated succession of these events is required to allow normal development, potentially making gametes and early embryos vulnerable to NPs, which may accumulate in the reproductive tract or which are intentionally added to spermatozoa in vitro (Bonde 2010, Ema et al 2010, Schrand et al 2010.…”

Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging potential of alpha lipoic acid and quercetin against Al2O3 nanoparticle-induced toxicity in mice

“…4 The commonly proposed pathogenic mechanisms initiated by NPs are generation of oxidative stress thereby triggering injurious responses at the cellular, subcellular, and protein levels. 5 Overall, these facts necessitate the study of environmental impact and toxicity of nanoparticles and also highlight the importance for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.…”

Human health hazards of persistent inorganic and carbon nanoparticles

“…Persistent nanoparticles are also increasingly engineered for a variety of applications [1][2][3][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], and references therein]. Engineered nanoparticles in this category are often composed of the substances indicated in Box 1 [1][2][3][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], and references therein].…”

“…Engineered nanoparticles in this category are often composed of the substances indicated in Box 1 [1][2][3][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19], and references therein].…”