Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1.4.4.9 Cutting Tools ................................................................................................ 17
1.4.4.10 Lubricants .................................................................................................... 17
1.5 Nanotoxicity ............................................................................................................................ 17
1.6 Biointeractions of Nanomaterials ........................................................................................... 19
1.6.1 Interactions with the Environment ............................................................................. 19
1.6.2 Nanotoxicity in the Body ............................................................................................ 23
1.6.2.1 Molecular Mechanisms of Nanomaterial Toxicity ...................................... 23
1.6.2.2 Pharmacokinetics ......................................................................................... 25
1.6.3 Effects of Nanomaterials on Organ Systems .............................................................. 26
1.6.3.1 Pulmonary System ....................................................................................... 26
1.6.3.2 Gastrointestinal Tract ................................................................................... 26
1.6.3.3 Reticuloendothelial Systems ........................................................................ 27
1.6.3.4 Cardiovascular System ................................................................................. 27
1.6.3.5 Central Nervous System .............................................................................. 27
1.6.3.6 Integumentary System ................................................................................. 27
1.7 Nanotoxicity: Challenges, Solutions, and the Future ............................................................. 27
1.7.1 Physicochemical Characterization.............................................................................. 28
1.7.2
In Vitro
Assessment .................................................................................................... 30
1.7.2.1 DNA Synthesis and Damage ....................................................................... 30
1.7.2.2 Immunogenicity ........................................................................................... 31
1.7.2.3 Oxidative Stress ........................................................................................... 31
1.7.2.4 Cell Proliferation .......................................................................................... 31
1.7.2.5 Exocytosis .................................................................................................... 32
1.7.2.6 Cell Viability and Metabolic Activity.......................................................... 32
1.7.2.7 Hemolysis ..................................................................................................... 32
1.7.3
In Vivo
Assessment ..................................................................................................... 33
1.7.3.1 Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and
Pharmacokinetic Studies ............................................................................. 34
1.7.3.2 Genotoxicity and Carcinogenic Studies ....................................................... 34
1.7.4 Considerations for Preventing Nanotoxicity ............................................................... 35
1.8 Future Considerations ............................................................................................................. 36
1.9 Summary ................................................................................................................................ 36
References ........................................................................................................................................ 37
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 W
hat
I
s
N
aNotechNology
?
Nanotechnology is the science that deals with the interactions that arise at a nanosized, molecular
scale. There are several paradigms from nature, such as viruses, DNA, water molecules, and red
blood cells, with sizes in the nanometer range. This chapter presents a general overview of the
nanoparticles (NPs) and their biointeractions. Figure 1.1 illustrates several cases from nature and
pharmaceuticals of components with nanometer dimensions. For many decades, nanotechnology
has been used most frequently in the areas of engineering, electronics, and physics, and has shown
remarkable developments in these fields. However, pharmaceutical and biomedical areas of applica-
tion still need to be explored.
The unique field of nanotechnology represents not just one specific field but a wide range of areas
from basic material sciences to personal care applications. The exciting aspect of nanotechnology
is the capability to fabricate formulations by manipulating molecules and supramolecular struc-
tures for the development of devices with programmed functions. This is very promising when it is
applied to the field of active pharmacological ingredient (API) delivery. The conventional form of
