Nanopathology: The health impact of nanoparticles
Abstract
Enormous funds are currently being invested in nanotechnology, yet very little is known about how its products and by-products can interfere with both end users and people involved in their manufacture. Similar scenarios are already widely known in the history of science, such as the exploitation of radioactivity or the controversial issue of genetically modified organisms. As nanoparticles are more or less voluntarily produced, they are almost uncontrollably disseminated in the environment and in organisms and thus constitute a growing concern. By describing the impact of nanoparticles (and microparticles) on human and animal health, this book offers the first criteria for preventing potential problems deriving from these particles.
... Pollution is a growing worldwide hazard, especially regarding micro-and nanosized contamination, which accounts for the majority of unfortunate consequences [25,26]. In perinatal medicine, this contamination may be said to look like Janus's face. ...
Breast milk is the natural source of nutrition for infants, but while it supports their health, it can also be a potential source of toxic inorganic particulate matter, and this applies to both breast milk and industrially produced milk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of nanoparticles in both breast milk and formula milk samples. We collected and analyzed, via a new electron scanning microscopic procedure, 19 samples of breast milk from Italian women and 19 formula milk samples produced by different companies. Organic–inorganic agglomerates were detected in 58% of formula and in 63% of breast milk samples, respectively. In addition, a significantly (p < 0.05) greater size of nanoparticles was observed in formula milk samples. The results, showing the presence of inorganic nanosized particles in breast and artificial milk, may lead to future studies aimed at investigating possible nanosized contamination of milk and identifying early prevention strategies for women and animals involved in the food chain.
... However, toxicity is the main limitation of nanoparticles due to its chemical composition used for synthesizing. These nanoparticles tend to exhibit toxicity, nonbiocompatibility and also the dispersion of nanoparticles in a biological system [9]. The magnetic nanoparticles always tend to agglomerate when kept undisturbed and need to be stabilized using a surfactant or a polymer. ...
Our study investigates the effect of magnetosome mediated oral Insulin delivery on diabetic induced rat models. The study involves the development of Magnetosome-Insulin (MI) conjugates by direct and indirect (by means of PEG) coupling method and further characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic analysis. The in vivo oral delivery of magnetosome-Insulin conjugate against streptozotocin-induced rat models and its efficiency was investigated. The impact of MI showed a remarkable change in the reduction of FBG levels up to 65% than the standard (Insulin). Similarly, the serum parameters: triglycerides (43.81%), AST&ALT (39.4 and 57.2%), total cholesterol (43.8%) showed significant changes compared to the diabetic control. The histological results of MI treated rats were found similar to control rats. Thus, these significantly notable results on diabetic rats depicts that magnetosomes can be employed as a potential approach and a very promising alternative for the parenteral route of Insulin delivery.
... Consequently, various "designer" materials capable of producing devices and systems with remarkable, tunable, and desired properties have recently been fabricated. Furthermore, materials in reduced dimensional display novel sensing and remediation characteristics but it is critical to point out that such materials are also considered by some researchers to be responsible for bioadverse response for possible toxicity of nanomaterials [25]. Production and assembly of atoms and molecules from the bottom up approach support a revolutionary shift in material and response paradigms that is no longer reliant on mass materials and large amounts of resources. ...
This article presents many facets of bioterrorism, in terms of challenges and policies, as well as the regional and global aspects of threats posed by various forms of bioterrorism, including synthetic genomics, dual-use technologies, and programmable functional biological materials. Policy recommendations to limit proliferation of biological agents are described. The pros and cons of programs such as international collegiate programs – iGEM, bio-brick, and other similar programs are discussed. Using advanced technological platforms, viz. nanotechnology, multiple sensors-networks, nanophotonics, biomimetics, advanced sciences convergence, and bioinformatics, effective countermeasures are reviewed for early detection and thwarting bioterrorism related threat vectors.
An increasing number of pathologies correlates with both toxic and essential metal ions dyshomeostasis. Next to known genetic disorders (e.g., Wilson’s Disease and β-Thalassemia) other pathological states such as neurodegeneration and diabetes are characterized by an imbalance of essential metal ions. Metal ions can enter the human body from the surrounding environment in the form of free metal ions or metal-nanoparticles, and successively translocate to different tissues, where they are accumulated and develop distinct pathologies. There are no characteristic symptoms of metal intoxication, and the exact diagnosis is still difficult. In this review, we present metal-related pathologies with the most common onsets, biomarkers of metal intoxication, and proper techniques of metal qualitative and quantitative analysis. We discuss the possible role of drugs with metal-chelating ability in metal dyshomeostasis, and present recent advances in therapies of metal-related diseases.
Nanotoxicology is an emerging field employed in the assessment of unintentional hazardous effects produced by nanoparticles (NPs) impacting human health and the environment. The nanotoxicity affects the range between induction of cellular stress and cytotoxicity. The reasons so far reported for these toxicological effects are due to their variable sizes with high surface areas, shape, charge, and physicochemical properties, which upon interaction with the biological components may influence their functioning and result in adverse outcomes (AO). Thus, understanding the risk produced by these materials now is an important safety concern for the development of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. Since the time nanotoxicology has evolved, the methods employed have been majorly relied on in vitro cell-based evaluations, while these simple methods may not predict the complexity involved in preclinical and clinical conditions concerning pharmacokinetics, organ toxicity, and toxicities evidenced through multiple cellular levels. The safety profiles of nanoscale nanomaterials and nanoformulations in the delivery of drugs and therapeutic applications are of considerable concern. In addition, the safety assessment for new nanomedicine formulas lacks regulatory standards. Though the in vivo studies are greatly needed, the end parameters used for risk assessment are not predicting the possible toxic effects produced by various nanoformulations. On the other side, due to increased restrictions on animal usage and demand for the need for high-throughput assays, there is a need for developing and exploring novel methods to evaluate NPs safety concerns. The progress made in molecular biology and the availability of several modern techniques may offer novel and innovative methods to evaluate the toxicological behavior of different NPs by using single cells, cell population, and whole organisms. This review highlights the recent novel methods developed for the evaluation of the safety impacts of NPs and attempts to solve the problems that come with risk assessment. The relevance of investigating adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) in nanotoxicology has been stressed in particular.
We are on the verge of a nanotech revolution but to date almost no State has legislated effectively to manage the potential environmental risks that might be generated by nanoparticles. Instead, self-regulation and the creation of norms by other social actors have emerged to fill the gap. The temporality of these new forms of regulation—and the ability to deal with future risks—represent challenges for the legal order, which must intervene to grant legal effect to new regulatory production. By analysing publications from ISO TC229 (on nanotechnology) and the comprehensive principles regarding nanotechnologies and materials advanced by NanoAction (a project of the International Centre for Technology Assessment), this chapter proposes a new self-regulatory model to manage nanotechnological risks and serve as legal guidance for researchers, laboratories, research centres and nanoscale industries. Considering a range of social and environmental factors, the model systematically links the NanoAction principles to existing rules and principles in Brazilian law.
Despite their enormous advantages, nanoparticles (NPs) have elicited disquiet over their safety. Among the numerous NPs, yttrium oxide (Y2O3) NPs are utilised in many applications. However, knowledge about their toxicity is limited, and it is imperative to investigate their potential adverse effects. Therefore, this study explored the effect of 28 days of repeated oral exposure of Wistar rats to 30, 120 and 480 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day of Y2O3 NPs and microparticles (MPs). Before initiation of the study, characterisation of the particles by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and laser Doppler velocimetry was undertaken. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the comet and micronucleus (MN) assays. Biochemical markers aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase in serum, liver and kidney were determined. Bioaccumulation of the particles was analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results of the comet and MN assays showed significant differences between the control and groups treated with 120 and 480 mg/kg bw/day Y2O3 NPs. Significant biochemical alterations were also observed at 120 and 480 mg/kg bw/day. Haematological and histopathological changes were documented. Yttrium (Y) biodistribution was detected in liver, kidney, blood, intestine, lungs, spleen, heart and brain in a dose- and the organ-dependent manner in both the particles. Further, the highest levels of Y were found in the liver and the lowest in the brain of the treated rats. More of the Y from NPs was excreted in the urine than in the faeces. Furthermore, NP-treated rats exhibited much higher absorption and tissue accumulation. These interpretations furnish rudimentary data of the apparent genotoxicity of NPs and MPs of Y2O3 as well as the biodistribution of Y. A no-observed adverse effect level of 30 mg/kg bw/day was found after oral exposure of rats to Y2O3 NPs.
Drugs are aimed at the prevention or treatment of diseases, but their positive effect cannot be guaranteed in any case. The chapter describes a few clinical cases of diseases contracted by the patient from particulate contaminants contained as foreign bodies in the drug either as such or in the form of their precursors. The cases were studied analysing the biopsic pathological samples by means of a scanning electron microscope coupled with an X-ray microprobe of an energy dispersive system. Once the foreign bodies are identified, an anamnestic work is performed to trace them in the patient’s environment and lifestyle, including the drugs he/she takes.
The increasing use of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) entails an improved
understanding of their potential impact on the environmental and human health. In the present
study, the acute oral toxicity of Y2O3 NPs and their microparticles (MPs) was carried out in
female albino Wistar rats with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw doses. Prior to the genotoxicity
evaluation, characterization of the particles by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light
scattering and laser doppler velocimetry was performed. The genotoxicity studies were
conducted using micronucleus and comet assays. Results showed that Y2O3 NPs induced
significant DNA damage at higher dose (1000 mg/kg bw) in peripheral blood leukocytes and
liver cells, micronucleus formation in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells. The findings from
biochemical assays depicted significant alterations in aspartate transaminase, alanine
transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced
glutathione, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase levels in serum, liver and kidneys at the higher
dose only. Furthermore, tissue biodistribution of both particles was analyzed by inductively
coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Bioaccumulation of yttrium (Y) in all tissues was
significant and dose- time- and organ-dependent. Moreover, Y2O3 NPs treated rats exhibited
higher tissue distribution along with greater clearance through urine whereas Y2O3 MPs dosed
animals depicted the maximum amount of Y in the faeces. Hence, the results indicated that
bioaccumulation of Y2O3 NPs via its Y ions may induce genotoxic effects
The paper deals about an anti-mould efficiency of nano-zinc oxide applied into wood alone (0.1%, 0.33%, 1% and 3% ZnO) or in combination with polyacrylate (5% Paraloid B-72) and essential oils (1% and 3% clove, oregano or thyme oil). Treatment of lime tree and maple samples 50×10×5 mm (L×R×T) with these chemicals was performed by one-step or two-step dipping at 20°C/1 h. The anti-mould efficiency of used chemicals was determined by the standard STN 49 0604 - evaluating effect of chemicals against growth of four moulds (mixture of Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium brevicompactum and Chaetomium globosum) in the 7th 14th, 21st and 28th day. The anti-mould efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles was relatively poor, however, it was evidently improved in presence of clove and oregano oils, mainly in the first 7 days of the mould test.
The development of nanotechnology for advances in various sectors like health, consumer products has paved way for possible applications in agriculture and food industries. Antimicrobial agents (e.g., silver, titanium dioxide), nano-bio pesticides (hydrophobic silica), smart delivery systems (polymeric nanoparticles) provide promising enhancement or alternatives to the conventional crop protection strategies, which are primarily based on applying chemicals in solid, liquid or suspension forms. Nanotechnology approaches in food industry can impart properties such as resistance to gas penetration, increased tensile strength and enhanced absorption of nutrients leading to novel food packaging and processing materials. Despite these features, the usage of nanotechnology is still limited, owing to the lack of proper toxicity evaluation data. Understanding the risks and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them will significantly enable nanotechnology advances targeting to agriculture and food industries. In this paper, we have reviewed some of the recent research and development efforts that have been carried out in nanotechnology for its potential applications in agrifood sector. More specifically, nanotechnology approaches mediated by particle technology advances are reviewed.
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