Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 3.15
Studies Surface Coating/Surface Modification on Nanoparticles
Type of Nanoparticle
Toxicity/Organ Affected
Mechanism Involved/Results
Reference
Quantum dots
Cytotoxicity/plasma
membrane, mitochondria,
nucleus
“Naked” quantum dots induce
ROS resulting in damage to
plasma membranes,
mitochondria, and nucleus.
Lovric et al. (2005)
Cadmium telluride
quantum dots
Lipid peroxidation of cell
Nonmodified quantum dots
induced toxicity due to surface
bioactive coating. Surface
modification with
N
-acetylcysteine, reduced
toxicity.
Choi et al. (2007)
TiO
2
nanoparticles
Lung toxicity
Warheit et al. found that only
noncoated particles resulted in
BAL alteration and lung
histopathological changes
compared to their coated
counterparts, suggesting a
possible influencing role of
surface chemistry in nano-TiO
2
-
induced lung toxicity. In this
regard, several studies have
investigated the influence of
particle chemical surface
properties, surface coatings, and
functionalization on pulmonary
responses showing conflicting
results.
Warheit et al. (2004)
Silica-coated coated
rutile TiO
2
nanoparticles
Inflammatory reactions
Significant inflammatory reactions
after acute and subacute exposure
to coated nanoparticles,
particularly silica-coated rutile
TiO
2
NPs, rutile TiO
2
NPs
surface modified with unspecified
amount of zirconium, silicon,
aluminum, and coated with
polyalcohols and rutile Fe-doped
TiO
2
NPs were reported.
Ivo et al. (2012)
nanoparticles to help in providing more accurate dosages. Studies on the toxicological implications
of functionalized nanoparticles through surface modifications may help in deriving approaches to
reduce the toxic potential of nanoparticles and, thus, manipulate or control the uptake and toxicity
of these nanoparticles.
3.8 FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Nano regulation is still undergoing major changes to encompass environmental, health, pharma-
ceutical, and safety issues. With appropriate efforts in focusing research to identify the associated
toxicological risks, stringent regulatory interventions, improved corporate standards, and a will to
safeguard the interest of society, the nanotechnology platform is on the verge of being a blessing
to mankind.
