Physiologically Important Metal Nanoparticles and Their Toxicity

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been setting benchmarks for the last two decades, but the origins of this technology reach back to ancient history. Today, nanoparticles of both metallic and non-metallic origin are under research and development for applications in various fields of biology/therapeutics. Physiologically important metals are of concern because they are compatible with the human system in terms of absorption, assimilation, excretion, and side effects. There are several physiologically inorganic metals that are present in the human body with a wide range of biological activities. Some of these metals are magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum. These metals are synthesized in the form of nanoparticles by different physical and chemical methods. Physiologically important nanoparticles are currently under investigation for their bio-medical applications as well as for therapeutics. Along with the applicative aspects of nanoparticles, another domain that is of great concern is the risk assessment of these nanoparticles to avoid unnecessary hazards. It has been seen that these nanoparticles have been shown to possess toxicity in biological systems. Conventional physical and chemical methods of metal nanoparticle synthesis may be one possible reason for nanoparticle toxicity that can be overcome by synthesis of nanoparticles from biological sources. This review is an attempt to establish metal nanoparticles of physiological importance to be the best candidates for future nanotechnological tools and medicines, owing to the acceptability and safety in the human body. This can only be successful if these particles are synthesized with a better biocompatibility and low or no toxicity.

Copper Nanoparticles as Potential Antimicrobial Agent in Disinfecting Root Canals: A Systematic Review

“…An attempt to establish metal nanoparticles with physiological importance as the best candidates for future nanomedicine can only succeed if these particles are synthesized with improved biocompatibility and low or no toxicity (Sengupta et al, 2014). Today we talk of "Green Nanotechnology" and "nanotoxicology" as two important areas of research on nanomaterials.…”

Biological and environmental interactions of emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials

“…105 Manganese is an essential element important for brain glutamate metabolism, energy metabolism, immune function, and growth of bone and connective tissues. 90, 91 Mn +3 is more toxic than Mn +2 or Mn +4 and is redox active. 92 High levels of manganese accumulate in the brain following inhalation by humans associated with a Parkinson-like disease.…”

Bioaccessibility of micron-sized powder particles of molybdenum metal, iron metal, molybdenum oxides and ferromolybdenum – Importance of surface oxides

“…Mechanistic metal release investigations of molybdenum metal, ferromolybdenum alloys, or molybdenum oxides are scarcely reported in the scientific literature, despite their increasing use in different applications during the last decades. Molybdenum or molybdenum oxide nanoparticles are for example used for bio-diagnostics and energy storage applications as well as in polymers (Chan et al, 2005;Lee et al, 2009;Sengupta et al, 2014). Molybdenum shows relatively low acute toxicity, when taken up via the oral, dermal or inhalation route (OECD CoCAM programme, 2013).…”