Biophysical interaction, nanotoxicology evaluation, and biocompatibility and biosafety of metal nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper reviews the biophysical interactions, toxicity, and biocompatibility of metal nanoparticles, emphasizing their potential in biomedical applications and the importance of safe synthesis for future nanomedicine.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of metal nanoparticle properties, their biological interactions, toxicity testing methods, and discusses strategies for enhancing biocompatibility for medical use.

Findings

Metal nanoparticles' interactions with biological systems are influenced by their physicochemical properties.

Toxicity of metal nanoparticles depends on synthesis methods and surface characteristics.

Biocompatible synthesis approaches are crucial for safe nanomedical applications.

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been one of the fastest growing fields in the last three decades. Nanomaterials (sized 1-100 nm) has a wide spectrum of potential applications in many fields, applied as coating materials or in treatment and diagnosis. Nowadays, nanoparticles of both metallic and non-metallic origin are under investigation and development for applications in various fields of biology/therapeutics. Specifically, we show the correlations between the physicochemistry and biophysical specificity of metal nanoparticles and their uptake, transport, and biodistribution in cells, at the molecular, cellular, and whole organism level. Physiologically important metals are present in the human body with a wide range of biological activities. Some of these metals are magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum. Metals used in nanotechnology have to be biocompatible with the human system in terms of absorption, assimilation, excretion, and side effects. These metals are synthesized in the form of nanoparticles by different physical and chemical methods. Nanotoxicological studies of metal nanoparticles are intended to determine whether and to what extent their properties may pose a threat to the environment and to human beings. An overview of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, their applications, and the potential for human exposure is provided, and it is integrated by a discussion of general principles of nanoparticle-induced toxicity and methods for toxicity testing of nanomaterials. This review wants to focus on establishing metal nanoparticles of physiological importance to be the best candidates for future nanotechnological tools and medicines, owing to the acceptability and safety in the human body. This can only be successful if these particles are synthesized with a better biocompatibility and low or no toxicity.