Molecular Mechanisms, Characterization Methods, and Utilities of Nanoparticle Biotransformation in Nanosafety Assessments

Abstract

It is a big challenge to reveal the intrinsic cause of a nanotoxic effect due to diverse branches of signaling pathways induced by engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Biotransformation of toxic ENMs involving biochemical reactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological systems has recently attracted substantial attention as it is regarded as the upstream signal in nanotoxicology pathways, the molecular initiating event (MIE). Considering that different exposure routes of ENMs may lead to different interfaces for the arising of biotransformation, this work summarizes the nano–bio interfaces and dose calculation in inhalation, dermal, ingestion, and injection exposures to humans. Then, five types of biotransformation are shown, including aggregation and agglomeration, corona formation, decomposition, recrystallization, and redox reactions. Besides, the characterization methods for investigation of biotransformation as well as the safe design of ENMs to improve the sustainable development of nanotechnology are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives on the implications of biotransformation in clinical translation of nanomedicine and commercialization of nanoproducts are provided.

Engineering the Protein Corona Structure on Gold Nanoclusters Enables Red‐Shifted Emissions in the Second Near‐infrared Window for Gastrointestinal Imaging

“…The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining images demonstrated that this AuNC probe had negligible toxicity to GI tract, heart, pancreas, liver and kidney (Figure S11). These results indicated that RNase‐A@AuNCs had excellent biocompatibility and well sustained their NIR‐II emission in GI tract microenvironment due to their negative surface charge and high stability, denying cellular internalization as well as biotransformation‐induced hazard effects [21] …”

“…Communications high stability, denying cellular internalization as well as biotransformation-induced hazard effects. [21] Before tumor imaging, RNase-A@AuNCs were orally injected into healthy C57BL/6 mice to examine signal-dose relationships in GI tract, and compared with Ag 2 S and NaYF 4 :Er/Yb. As shown in Figure 4 A, the fluorescence emissions of RNase-A@AuNCs got to a plateau at an administration dose of 10 mg kg À1 .…”

Engineering the Protein Corona Structure on Gold Nanoclusters Enables Red‐Shifted Emissions in the Second Near‐infrared Window for Gastrointestinal Imaging

“…Zuschriften high stability, denying cellular internalization as well as biotransformation-induced hazard effects. [21] Before tumor imaging, RNase-A@AuNCs were orally injected into healthy C57BL/6 mice to examine signal-dose relationships in GI tract, and compared with Ag 2 S and NaYF 4 :Er/Yb. As shown in Figure 4 A, the fluorescence emissions of RNase-A@AuNCs got to a plateau at an administration dose of 10 mg kg À1 .…”

RNA m6A Modification Alteration by Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Regulates Cell Ferroptosis: Implications for Nanotoxicological Assessment

“…[ 7 ] Although numerous studies have been conducted for nanosafety evaluation using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods, a widely accepted assessment framework for ENMs remains to be built. [ 8–10 ]…”