Nanotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

• Published in: Metals (Basel ) Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 934 - 975
• Main Authors: Seabra, Amedea, Durán, Nelson
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-06-2015
• Subjects: biogenic nanoparticles; cytotoxicity; in vivo toxicity and ecotoxicity; metal oxide nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; nanotoxicity
• ISSN: 2075-4701; 2075-4701
• DOI: 10.3390/met5020934

This review discusses recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles obtained mainly through biogenic (green) processes. The in vitro and in vivo toxicities of these oxides are discussed including a consideration of the factors important for safe use of these nanomaterials. The toxicities of different metal oxide nanoparticles are compared. The importance of biogenic synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles has been increasing in recent years; however, more studies aimed at better characterizing the potent toxicity of these nanoparticles are still necessary for nanosafely considerations and environmental perspectives. In this context, this review aims to inspire new research in the design of green approaches to obtain metal oxide nanoparticles for biomedical and technological applications and to highlight the critical need to fully investigate the nanotoxicity of these particles.