Toxicological Risk Assessment of Emerging Nanomaterials: Cytotoxicity, Cellular Uptake, Effects on Biogenesis and Cell Organelle Activity, Acute Toxicity and Biodistribution of Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

The lack of toxicological data on nanomaterials makes it difficult to assess the risk related to their exposure, and as a result further investigation is required. This chapter presents the synthesis of controlled oxide nanoparticles followed by the evaluation of their safety profile or toxicity (iron, titanium and zinc oxides). The controlled surface chemistry, dispersion in several media, morphology and surface charge of these nanoparticles are presented (transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Classical cytotoxic and cellular uptake studies on different cancer cell lines from liver, prostate, heart, brain and spinal cord are discussed. The incidence of nanoparticles on biogenesis and activity of cell organelles is also highlighted, as well as their biodistribution in animal models. The acute toxicity on zebrafish embryo model is also presented. Finally, the stress is put on the influence and the necessity of controlling the protein corona, a layer of plasma proteins physically adsorbed at the surface of such nanoparticles as a result of their presence in the bloodstream (or relevant biological fluids).

Antibacterial composite membranes of polycaprolactone/gelatin loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles for guided tissue regeneration

“…A recent study also reported the antibacterial efficacy of PCL-Gel electrospun membranes but loaded with considerably higher concentrations of ZnO-NPs (5, 15 and 30 w% relative to the total polymer weight) than those in the present study [32]. The use of low antibacterial NPs concentration in GTR membranes is an important finding of the present work, despite NPs are very promising alternative antibacterial agent for medical applications, there are still concerns about the possible long-term side effects of NPs in living beings; thus, it is necessary to limit the concentration of NPs released into the host tissue by using the minimum effective doses [33,67]. Moreover, in future clinical applications, the reduction of the amount of NPs in membranes would reduce their production costs.…”

Neurotoxicity of Nanomaterials: An Up-to-Date Overview

“…However, there is a considerable lack of information regarding the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials, which complicates risk assessments following exposure. Therefore, the development of rapid, accurate, and effective strategies for determining the neurotoxic effects induced by nanomaterials is crucial [63].…”

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles—Current and Prospective Medical Applications

“…It is a general problem that SPIONs tend to be absorbed by liver macrophages. However, this problem could be resolved by appropriately adjusting the particle’s shell—negatively charged PEG used as the coating was shown to increase the liver and spleen uptakes of SPIONs [ 26 ]. Chitosan as the coating material seems to prevent such an interaction [ 27 ].…”