Chapter 7 - Recent advances in the study of toxicity of polymer-based nanomaterials

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are colloidal particles with size ranging from 1 to 1000nm. They are comprised of active pharmaceutical ingredients that are within/adsorbed macromolecular substances (polymer). Due to quantum size effects, polymeric NPs affect their toxicity which are attributed to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Nanodiamonds have become a subject of lively research due to their attractive properties. Polymeric NPs have been used to remove toxic heavy metals. Multilayered NPs, functionalized inorganic or organic polymeric materials, coatings and hydrogels have revealed their potential for environmental and communal health applications. Polymer-NP composite materials have exclusive characteristics, such as high mechanical strength, good electrical conductivity, optical and thermal properties. New fluorescent nanomaterials, inspired from the fields of polymeric drug delivery vehicles and advanced fluorophores, can combine superior brightness with biodegradability and low toxicity.