Nanomaterial Databases: Data Sources for Promoting Design and Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials have drawn increasing attention due to their tunable and enhanced physicochemical and biological performance compared to their conventional bulk materials. Owing to the rapid expansion of the nano-industry, large amounts of data regarding the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and bioactivities of nanomaterials have been generated. These data are a great asset to the scientific community. However, the data are on diverse aspects of nanomaterials and in different sources and formats. To help utilize these data, various databases on specific information of nanomaterials such as physicochemical characterization, biomedicine, and nano-safety have been developed and made available online. Understanding the structure, function, and available data in these databases is needed for scientists to select appropriate databases and retrieve specific information for research on nanomaterials. However, to our knowledge, there is no study to systematically compare these databases to facilitate their utilization in the field of nanomaterials. Therefore, we reviewed and compared eight widely used databases of nanomaterials, aiming to provide the nanoscience community with valuable information about the specific content and function of these databases. We also discuss the pros and cons of these databases, thus enabling more efficient and convenient utilization.

Organoid Technology: A Reliable Developmental Biology Tool for Organ-Specific Nanotoxicity Evaluation

“…The global NP drug market is predicted to achieve a valuation over US$ 200 billion by 2024 at a CAGR of 10% according to the 2018 analysis of “Research And Markets” while as per the 2017 prediction of Grand View Research, Inc., the anticipated valuation of the global nanomedicine market will reach US$ 350.8 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 11.2% ( Grand View Research, Inc., 2017 ; Research And Markets, 2018 ). This enormous prospect of nanotechnology in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry is self-explanatory to realize the extent of nano-exposure to the global population looming ahead ( Yan et al, 2020 ; Ji et al, 2021 ). Investigation of short- as well as long-term nanotoxicity has gained considerable attention in this context to ensure the nano-safety aspect.…”

“…Nanomaterials are ascribed with a nanoscale range external/internal structure at least in one dimension, which adorns them with distinct physicochemical properties unlike their bulk equivalents ( Taniguchi, 1974 ; Laurent et al, 2010 ; Drasler et al, 2017 ). Further, the nanomaterial repository is prospering apace propelled by novel functionalization methods and derived nano-entities with newer attributes ( Yan et al, 2020 ; Ji et al, 2021 ). These innovative materials with diverse attributes such as small size facilitating cellular uptake, high surface-to-volume ratio promoting ample surface functionalization and precise molecular interaction, and unique light scattering for molecular imaging have paved the way toward widespread nano-intervention in numerous state-of-the-art technological developments ( Murphy et al, 2015 ; Yaqoob et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Evidently, the probability of human exposure with myriads of nano-formulations has augmented significantly ( Yan et al, 2020 ). Short- as well as long-term toxicity assessment of these novel nano-formulations is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of the global biome ( Gatoo et al, 2014 ; Garduño-Balderas et al, 2015 ; Ji et al, 2021 ). The source of these nanoparticles (NPs) may be natural such as volcanic eruptions and photo-oxidation or anthropogenic processes including increased use of nanomaterials and their waste or residue generation ( Bystrzejewska-Piotrowska et al, 2009 ; Luo et al, 2016 ).…”

Recent Advancements in the Nanomaterial Application in Concrete and Its Ecological Impact

“…Risk assessment examines the hazards to the health of humans and the environment of a sole substance at a specific point in its production time, service life, or discharge [158][159][160]. Risk assessment is regularly carried out to recognize if any stages of life cycle present a risk.…”

Engineered Nanomaterials in Soil: Their Impact on Soil Microbiome and Plant Health

“…Nanomaterials are materials with one or more of their dimensions in the order of 100 nm or less [ 6 ]. These materials usually exhibit unique and extraordinary physicochemical and biological properties compared to their bulk counterparts due to their specialized structural and functional components, internally or on the surface [ 7 ]. Although the opportunities and applications offered by nanomaterials are unrivaled, they also pose considerable risk to both human health and the environment [ 8 ].…”