Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry

Nanotoxicology

Nanotoxicology represents a new and growing research area in toxicology. It deals with the assessment of the toxicological properties of nanoparticles (NPs) with the intention of determining whether (and to what extent) they pose an environmental or societal threat. Inherent properties of NPs (including size, shape, surface area, surface charge, crystal structure, coating, and solubility/dissolution) as well as environmental factors (such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, salinity, and organic matter) collectively influence NP behavior, fate and transport, and ultimately toxicity. The multidisciplinary field of nanotoxicology focuses on determining the extent to which nanomaterials (materials with at least one dimension <100 nm) pose a hazard to human health and the environment. The small size, large surface area-to-volume ratio, and quantum size effects of nanoscale materials may lead to biological effects. While nanotechnology and the production of nanoparticles are growing exponentially, research into the toxicological impact and possible hazard of nanoparticles to human health and the environment is still in its infancy.