Nanotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Amedea Seabra,Nelson Durán

doi:10.3390/met5020934

Abstract

This review discusses recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles obtained mainly through biogenic (green) processes. The in vitro and in vivo toxicities of these oxides are discussed including a consideration of the factors important for safe use of these nanomaterials. The toxicities of different metal oxide nanoparticles are compared. The importance of biogenic synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles has been increasing in recent years; however, more studies aimed at better characterizing the potent toxicity of these nanoparticles are still necessary for nanosafely considerations and environmental perspectives. In this context, this review aims to inspire new research in the design of green approaches to obtain metal oxide nanoparticles for biomedical and technological applications and to highlight the critical need to fully investigate the nanotoxicity of these particles.

Highlights

Metal oxide nanoparticles have wide applications, primarily in the technology field, including their use as a semiconductor, electroluminescent or thermoelectric material, but they are used in biomedical applications as drug delivery systems for treatment and diagnosis and in environmental decontamination applications [1,2]
This review describes the biogenic synthesis of important metal oxide nanoparticles and their cytotoxicity in vivo and in vitro
The authors observed that smaller particle sizes and narrower size distributions were achieved with higher concentrations of bacteria

Summary

Introduction

Metal oxide nanoparticles have wide applications, primarily in the technology field, including their use as a semiconductor, electroluminescent or thermoelectric material, but they are used in biomedical applications as drug delivery systems for treatment and diagnosis and in environmental decontamination applications [1,2]. The production of metal oxide nanoparticles via biogenic synthesis has received increasing attention recently because it is a novel process for the development of engineered materials [3]. The biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles leads to the formation of capped nanostructures with proteins/biomolecules from the organism during the biosynthesis. These capping agents prevent nanoparticle aggregation and likely play an important role in the stabilization of the nanosystem. Biogenic methods to obtain metal oxide nanoparticles are performed at room conditions, in a simple and cost effective manner and with no contamination to the environment. The increasing production and use of metal oxide nanoparticles in numerous applications leads to adverse effects on health [9]. The safety implications and environment effects of these nanoparticles are discussed

Biogenic Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanotoxicity of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Relative Toxicity of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Final Remarks

Findings

Green Methods of Synthesis