Nanotechnology: Safety paradigms

Abstract

The versatile utilization of nanotechnology in a variety of products used in different spheres of daily life has made it quite popular. This is attributed due to the enhanced surface related properties of the nanoparticles. But these enhanced properties also make nanoparticles, biologically more active leading to unexpected and unanticipated consequences on interaction with biological systems which may be deleterious to the living organisms. There may be different kinds of pathological conditions arising due to the exposure of nanoparticles, depending on their type, size and route of exposure. Consequently for the risk assessment there is a need for safety evaluation procedure which should be based on various hazardous aspects. The safety evaluation and toxicological assessment of nanoparticles can be further improved by collaboration between the research groups working on similar aspects of nanotechnology, establishment of guidelines along with the standard protocols for developing uniformity in experimental approaches related to nanotoxicology studies, which will help in the development of safer nanoproducts for the benefits of mankind. Thus, safety issues need to be impressed upon the industries and regulators simultaneously, to reduce the lag phase for the development of sustainable nanotechnology. Keywords: Agglomeration, characterization, inflammation, nanotoxicology, nanoparticles, nanoencapsulation, reactive oxygen species.