Abstract
Nanotechnology can be defined as the field of science and technology that studies material at nanoscale (1–100 nm). These nanomaterials, especially carbon nanostructure-based composites and biopolymer-based nanocomposites, exhibit excellent chemical, physical, mechanical, electrical, and many other properties beneficial for their application in many consumer products (e.g., industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and medical). The current literature reports that the increased exposure of humans to nanomaterials could toxicologically affect their environment. Hence, this paper aims to present a review on the possible nanotoxicology assays that can be used to evaluate the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. The different ways humans are exposed to nanomaterials are discussed, and the recent toxicity evaluation approaches of these nanomaterials are critically assessed.
Highlights
Nanomaterials and their hybrid nanocomposites exhibit exceptional physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties due to their quantum effects and large surface to volume ratio
The toxicity evaluation of these nanomaterials, which is crucial for their safe use in consumer products, remains challenging
What should be considered as appropriate biochemical tests for the nanotoxicity evaluation of carbon-based nanomaterials? To answer this question, international standard methods for the evaluation of NM toxicity taking into consideration their physicochemical properties need to be approved and researchers are called to follow these approved international standard methods to assess the nanotoxicity of NMs to obtain consistent results in different laboratory settings
Summary
Nanomaterials (e.g., metal nanoparticles, carbon nanostructures) and their hybrid nanocomposites (with polymers) exhibit exceptional physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties due to their quantum effects and large surface to volume ratio. The factors affecting the toxicity of NMs include their physicochemical properties, such as particle size, particle aggregation, chemical composition, surface area, shape, crystallinity, structure, surface functional groups/charge, surface coating, and reactivity [2,3]. These physicochemical properties result from the preparation methods used. The genetic composition of the organism exposed to nanoparticles (NPs), the ability of the NPs to be stable in biological systems, the longevity of NP–cell interaction, dose, frequency, duration, and route of exposure are some factors influencing toxicity [7,8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
