Chapter 7 - Organ and nonorgan-directed toxicity

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field having potential applications in many areas. So far, toxicity data generated by employing such models are conflicting and inconsistent. Therefore based on available experimental models, it may be difficult to judge their toxicity. Nanoparticles (NPs) may interfere with the normal physiological mechanisms of the embryos, growing animals, and adults, and it is indispensable to understand their potentially direct or indirect harmful effects on living organisms. The interaction between NPs and cells triggers a cascade of molecular events which could induce toxicity and cell death. Although no mechanisms unique to NPs have yet been identified, a mechanism of toxicity for some NPs is the induction of reactive oxygen species and the consequential oxidative stress experienced by cells. This chapter briefly describes factors affecting nanomaterial toxicity, organ and nonorgan-directed toxicity including behavior of NPs in living organisms.