Effects and Mechanism of Nanotoxicity:An Overview

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field of 21st century, which has provided groundbreaking discoveries in many areas, including the medical, industrial, and consumer sectors. The unique characteristics of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have paved their way in a variety of applications. However, these novel properties of NPs are filled with concerns for their potential toxicity. At present, more than a hundred different types of NPs are known, but there is no well-defined guideline to estimate their potential risk. Information concerning their safety is urgently needed and that is why for the past few decades, there has been a remarkable increase in this research area of the field of nanotoxicology. NPs have been studied intensively for their cell toxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. One of the widely accepted mechanism of nanotoxicity is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Present review selectively focuses on the harmful effects and mechanisms of NP toxicity.