Chapter 1 - Interactions with the Human Body

Abstract

Recent emphasis of research on engineered nanomaterials (ENM) can be justified by the fact that nowadays ENM or the use of nanotechnology can be found in a wide variety of commercial products with more than a fivefold increase in the last 5 years. The increase in ENM use is primarily due to the physicochemical properties that distinguish them from other well-known man induced and/or environmental substances and particulates; properties that confer to ENM great potential for industrial, commercial and biomedical applications. Despite their extensive use, still little information is available on the toxicity, biodistribution and clearance of ENM and their potential to trigger adverse reactions for human health. This chapter provides a general overview of the relationship between physicochemical properties of ENM and their biochemical and biological fluid interactions, from the perspective of factors that potentially influence adverse effects on human health, e.g. biodistribution, biodegradation and biopersistence. In addition, an overview is presented on current knowledge on ENM toxicity and underlying mechanisms.