Nanoparticles
Risk assessment of nanoparticles and nanomaterials
Category: Environmental Microbiology | Technology
from Michele de Kwaadsteniet and Thomas Eugene Cloete in Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications
The risk assessment of nanoparticles and nanomaterials is of key importance for the continous development in the already striving new field of nanotechnology. Humans are increasingly being exposed to nanoparticles and nanomaterials, placing stress on the development and validation of reproducible toxicity tests. Tests currently used include genotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests, and in vivo toxicity models. The unique characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials are responsible for their toxicity and interaction with biological macromolecules within the human body. This may lead to the development of diseases and clinical disorders. A loss in cell viability and structure can also occur in exposed tissues as well as inflammation and granuloma formation. The future of nanotechnology depends on the responsible assessment of nanoparticles and nanomaterials.
Further reading: Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications
The risk assessment of nanoparticles and nanomaterials is of key importance for the continous development in the already striving new field of nanotechnology. Humans are increasingly being exposed to nanoparticles and nanomaterials, placing stress on the development and validation of reproducible toxicity tests. Tests currently used include genotoxicity and cytotoxicity tests, and in vivo toxicity models. The unique characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials are responsible for their toxicity and interaction with biological macromolecules within the human body. This may lead to the development of diseases and clinical disorders. A loss in cell viability and structure can also occur in exposed tissues as well as inflammation and granuloma formation. The future of nanotechnology depends on the responsible assessment of nanoparticles and nanomaterials.
Further reading: Nanotechnology in Water Treatment Applications