Assessing the Adverse Effects and Safety Considerations in Nanotoxicity

Mariia Cordeiro

Short Communication, J Nanomater Mol Nanotechnol Vol: 12 Issue: 3

Assessing the Adverse Effects and Safety Considerations in Nanotoxicity

Mariia Cordeiro^*

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

*Corresponding Author: Mariia Cordeiro,
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
E-mail: cordeiromariia@ gmail.com

Received date: 22 May, 2023, Manuscript No. JNMN-23-106118;

Editor assigned date: 24 May, 2023, Pre QC No. JNMN-23-106118 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 07 June, 2023, QC No. JNMN-23-106118;

Revised date: 14 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JNMN-23-106118 (R);

Published date: 21 June, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2324-8777.1000371

Citation: Cordeiro M (2023) Assessing the Adverse Effects and Safety Considerations in Nanotoxicity. J Nanomater Mol Nanotechnol 12:3.

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Description

Nanotoxicity refers to the potential adverse effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. As the field of nanotechnology continues to advance, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of these engineered materials at the nanoscale. Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties and behaviors due to their small size, which can lead to interactions with biological systems that differ from those observed with bulk materials. One of the primary concerns with nanomaterials is their ability to penetrate biological barriers and enter cells and tissues. Due to their small size, nanomaterials can easily be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, leading to systemic distribution throughout the body. Once inside the body, nanomaterials can interact with cellular components, such as proteins, DNA, and cell membranes, potentially causing cellular damage and triggering adverse biological responses.

Mechanisms of nanotoxicity

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential toxicity of nanomaterials. One mechanism is oxidative stress, which occurs when nanomaterials generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cells. ROS can cause damage to cellular structures, including lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to inflammation, cell death, and the development of various diseases. Another mechanism involves the ability of nanomaterials to induce inflammation. Certain nanomaterials can activate immune cells, such as macrophages, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines [1-3].

Prolonged or excessive inflammation can disrupt normal cellular functions and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Furthermore, nanomaterials can directly interact with cellular components and disrupt their normal functions. For example, carbon nanotubes have been shown to penetrate cell membranes and interfere with intracellular signaling pathways. Quantum dots, which are semiconductor nanoparticles, can interfere with cellular processes by affecting calcium homeostasis and enzyme activity [4-6].

Health hazards and risk assessment

The potential health hazards associated with nanomaterial exposure depend on various factors, including the physical and chemical properties of the nanomaterials, the route of exposure, the dose, and the duration of exposure. Studies have shown that certain nanomaterials, such as certain metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) and carbon nanotubes, can cause lung inflammation and fibrosis when inhaled. Carbon nanotubes and asbestos fibers have also been found to exhibit similar pathological effects in the lungs. Moreover, nanomaterials may have different toxicological profiles compared to their bulk counterparts. For instance, nano-sized silver particles have shown increased antibacterial activity compared to conventional silver particles. However, this enhanced activity may also lead to increased toxicity to human cells and beneficial microorganisms in the environment. Furthermore, the development of reliable toxicity screening methods and predictive models is important for evaluating the safety of nanomaterials [7,8].

High-throughput screening techniques and computational modeling approaches can aid in the rapid assessment of nanomaterial toxicity, allowing for the identification of potential hazards and the design of safer nanomaterials. Nanotoxicity is a significant concern associated with the advancement of nanotechnology. The unique properties of nanomaterials can lead to interactions with biological systems that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Understanding the mechanisms of nanotoxicity, evaluating the potential health hazards, and developing safety guidelines are essential for the responsible development and use of nanomaterials. Continued research efforts and collaboration among scientists, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders are essential to ensure the safe and sustainable application of nanotechnology in various fields [9,10].