Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
12
Cardiovascular Toxicity
of Nanomaterials
Saijie Zhu and Minghuang Hong
CONTENTS
12.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 249
12.2 Cardiovascular Toxicity of Nanomaterials ........................................................................... 249
12.2.1 Carbonaceous Nanomaterials ................................................................................... 249
12.2.1.1 Carbon Nanotubes ..................................................................................... 250
12.2.1.2 Graphene .................................................................................................... 251
12.2.2 Silica Nanomaterials ................................................................................................. 251
12.2.3 Metallic Nanomaterials ............................................................................................ 252
12.2.3.1 Gold Nanomaterials ................................................................................... 252
12.2.3.2 Iron Oxide Nanomaterials ......................................................................... 253
12.2.3.3 Quantum Dots ............................................................................................ 254
12.2.3.4 Other Metallic Nanomaterials ................................................................... 255
12.3 Conclusions and Perspectives ............................................................................................... 255
References ...................................................................................................................................... 256
12.1 INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology, one of the most important technologies in modern times, has been growing explo-
sively throughout the world over the last few years, producing a diverse array of nanomaterials.
Engineered nanomaterials are designed at the molecular level to take advantage of their high rela-
tive surface area and quantum effects not seen in their corresponding conventional forms. As a
matter of fact, nanomaterials are already in commercial use, with a broad range of commercial
products available in textiles, cosmetics, sunscreens, electronics, paints, and medicines. While ben-
efits of nanotechnology and nanomaterials are widely publicized, concerns have been raised about
the potential risks posed by the use of these engineered nanomaterials.
1,2
The cardiovascular system consists of two components: (1) the heart, which pumps blood to the
lung and tissue capillaries; and (2) the blood vessels through which the blood flows. The major func-
tions of the cardiovascular system are transportation, protection, fluid balance, and thermoregula-
tion, all of which are vital for the human body. Data on the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials
against the cardiovascular system have been accumulating in the past decade, while the mecha-
nisms have yet to be clarified. The current chapter summarizes recent publications regarding the
toxicity of engineered nanomaterials on the cardiovascular system.
12.2
CARDIOVASCULAR TOXICITY OF NANOMATERIALS
12.2.1 c
arBoNaceous
N
aNoMaterIals
Since the discovery of C
60
fullerene in 1985, a spherical molecule with carbon atoms arranged in a
pattern like that of a geodesic dome, fullerenes of a larger size—as well as their derivatives—have
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