Review on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials: history, sources, toxicity and regulations

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) have gained prominence in technological advancements due to their tunable physical, chemical and biological properties with enhanced performance over their bulk counterparts. NMs are categorized depending on their size, composition, shape, and origin. The ability to predict the unique properties of NMs increases the value of each classification. Due to increased growth of production of NMs and their industrial applications, issues relating to toxicity are inevitable. The aim of this review is to compare synthetic (engineered) and naturally occurring nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructured materials (NSMs) to identify their nanoscale properties and to define the specific knowledge gaps related to the risk assessment of NPs and NSMs in the environment. The review presents an overview of the history and classifications of NMs and gives an overview of the various sources of NPs and NSMs, from natural to synthetic, and their toxic effects towards mammalian cells and tissue. Additionally, the types of toxic reactions associated with NPs and NSMs and the regulations implemented by different countries to reduce the associated risks are also discussed.

Nanomaterials for removal of waterborne pathogens

“…According to toxicological data, the toxicity of NMs depends on various factors such as degree of nanoparticles dispersion into the aqueous systems, degree of aggregation of nanoparticles, presence of other oxidizing species, coatings on the nanoparticles, exposure time, temperature, pH, etc. (Jeevanandam et al, 2018). The antimicrobial mechanism is exact and different prepositions have been made regarding their mode of action.…”

Advancing Aptamers as Molecular Probes for Cancer Theranostic Applications—The Role of Molecular Dynamics Simulation

“…In recent times, fullerenes, CNTs, nanocomposites, and superparamagnetic nanostructures have also been developed to conjugate with DNA aptamers, and extensive research investigations are being carried out to enhance the cancer targeting efficacy of these systems. However, the toxicity of nanoparticles is a major factor that needs to be addressed to avoid side‐effects on normal, non‐cancerous cells …”

“…However, the toxicity of nanoparticles is a major factor that needs to be addressed to avoid side-effects on normal, non-cancerous cells. [215]…”

Anticancer, Antioxidant and Antiangiogenic Activities of Nanoparticles of Bioactive Dietary Nutraceuticals

“…[8] Nanotechnology deals with preparation, characterization, and applications of materials with sizes less than 1,000 nm. [9] Nanotechnology has led to the development of different task specific nanoparticles that respond to the tumor microenvironment via multiple pathways. [10] Reduction in particle size to nanoscale range increases surface-to-volume ratio, which consequently increases reactivity by many folds with change in electrical, mechanical, optical and chemical properties.…”