Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have gained huge importance in technological advancements over the past few years. Among the various ENMs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become one of the most explored nanotechnology-derived nanostructures and have been intensively investigated for their unique physicochemical properties. The widespread commercial and biomedical application of nanosilver include its use as a catalyst and an optical receptor in cosmetics, electronics and textile engineering, as a bactericidal agent, and in wound dressings, surgical instruments, and disinfectants. This, in turn, has increased the potential for interactions of AgNPs with terrestrial and aquatic environments, as well as potential exposure and toxicity to human health. In the present review, after giving an overview of ENMs, we discuss the current advances on the physiochemical properties of AgNPs with specific emphasis on biodistribution and both in vitro and in vivo toxicity following various routes of exposure. Most in vitro studies have demonstrated the size-, dose- and coating-dependent cellular uptake of AgNPs. Following NPs exposure, in vivo biodistribution studies have reported Ag accumulation and toxicity to local as well as distant organs. Though there has been an increase in the number of studies in this area, more investigations are required to understand the mechanisms of toxicity following various modes of exposure to AgNPs.
Highlights
NanotechnologyThe concept of novel nanoscale technology was introduced in 1959 in a lecture of physicist Richard Feynman entitled “There is plenty of room at the bottom,” which discussed the importance of manipulating and controlling things at the atomic scale [1]
This paper critically reviewed and structurally presented the toxicity and biodistribution studies of AgNPs following various routes of exposure
Toxicity and biodistribution studies, in vivo, following various routes of exposure, like inhalation, instillation, oral, dermal and intravenous, have established Ag translocation, accumulation, and toxicity to various organs. Both the local and distant organ effects are influenced by particle size, coating, route and duration of exposure, doses, and end point measurement time
Summary
The concept of novel nanoscale technology was introduced in 1959 in a lecture of physicist Richard Feynman entitled “There is plenty of room at the bottom,” which discussed the importance of manipulating and controlling things at the atomic scale [1]. Our paper aims to report the most recent update and important studies on the toxic effect of AgNPs following various routes of exposure including oral, inhalation, dermal, and intravenous administration. AgNPs are well known for their antimicrobial, optical, electrical, and catalytic properties [11] Owing to their unique properties, AgNPs have been extensively used in household utensils, food storage, the health care industry, environmental applications, and biomedical applications such as wound dressings, surgical instruments, and disinfectants [26]. Due to their optical activities, these NPs have been used in catalysis, electronics and biosensors [26]
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