Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 13 June 2025 | Viewed by 7450

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: nanotoxicology; pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Epigenetics and Longevity, Institute of Molecular Biology "Roumen Tsanev", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: genetics; epigenetics; nanomaterials; nanomedicine; nanotechnology; nanoparticles; graphene; nanotoxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit an article to our Special Issue entitled “Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety”. Nanotoxicology has emerged as a prominent field within toxicology, driven by the urgent need to assess the safety of engineered nanomaterials for both human health and the environment. With the rapid integration of nanoscale materials into various aspects of daily life, such as cosmetics, food packaging, drug delivery systems, therapeutics, and biosensors, the number of individuals exposed to nanomaterials continues to rise. While nanoparticles offer significant benefits and advancements in preventing and treating various disorders, concerns have grown regarding their potential risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, nanotoxicology studies initially focused on understanding the dose–response relationship between nanomaterials and their toxicity using in vitro cell models. Extensive research has evaluated the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, contributing to the definition of nanotoxicity. However, despite these efforts, there remains a lack of clarity and conflicting data regarding the cytotoxicity and biological fate of identical nanoparticles. This uncertainty suggests that we often fail to identify and control the relevant parameters that determine the toxicity of nanoparticles, both in vitro and in vivo. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the toxicological impact of nanoparticles necessitates a consideration of the relevant factors and an understanding of nanoparticle interactions with biological systems at the molecular level. This knowledge can enable us to predict and mitigate the potential toxicity associated with novel nanomaterials, facilitating the design of safe, reliable, and efficient nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

This Special Issue aims to compile articles that assess the potential effects of emerging nanomaterials on the environment, evaluate their impact on human health, and elucidate the toxic mechanisms induced by nanoparticles. A comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms triggered by these advanced materials can be achieved by presenting data that consider both nanomaterials' advantages and their adverse effects. Ultimately, this knowledge may contribute to significant advancements in the field of nanomedicine. Submissions focusing on results obtained from preclinical studies or clinical trials are welcomed, as they will provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks associated with using nanomaterials in various contexts.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcomed. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Environmental factors as triggers of mechanisms of systemic toxicities;
  • In vitro and in vivo experimental models for the evaluation of oxidative stress, DNA, and subcellular damages in pathogenesis of nanoparticle-induced toxicities;
  • Role of nanomaterials in medical diagnostics and therapeutics;
  • The evaluation of systemic toxicities and mechanism of toxicities induced by nanosized biomaterials;
  • Role of natural compounds in prevention and treatment of nanoparticle-induced toxicities;
  • Nanoformulation of food ingredients and their safety for human health;
  • Nanoparticles as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents;
  • Nanomedicine in clinical trials.

Prof. Dr. Natalia Krasteva
Prof. Dr. Milena Georgieva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced nanomaterials
  • mechanism of nanotoxicity
  • nanoformulations as drug delivery systems
  • nanomedicine in cancer therapy
  • environmental toxicity of nanomaterials

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Skin Sensitization Potential of Sensitizers in the Presence of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro
by Claudia Meindl, Kristin Öhlinger, Verena Zrim, Jennifer Ober, Ramona Jeitler, Eva Roblegg and Eleonore Fröhlich
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221811 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in dermal products. Their skin sensitization potential, especially their effects in combination with known sensitizers, is poorly studied in vitro and their sensitization inconsistently reported [...] Read more.
Silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in dermal products. Their skin sensitization potential, especially their effects in combination with known sensitizers, is poorly studied in vitro and their sensitization inconsistently reported in animal studies. In this study, cellular assays were used to identify different steps of sensitization, the activation of keratinocytes and dendritic cells, when cells were exposed to these NPs in the absence and presence of sensitizers. Cellular systems included HaCaT keratinocytes and U937 (U-SENS™) alone, as well as different co-culture systems of THP-1 cells with HaCaT cells (COCAT) and with primary keratinocytes. The effect of NPs differed between co-cultures and U-SENS™, whereas co-cultures with either primary keratinocytes or HaCaT cells responded similarly. Pre-exposure to ZnO NPs increased the U-SENS™ assay response to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene six-fold. The COCAT increase was maximally four-fold for the combination of SiO2 and trans cinnamaldehyde. When the THP-1 cells were separated from the keratinocytes by a membrane, the response of the co-culture system was more similar to U-SENS™. The direct contact with keratinocytes decreased the modulating effect of TiO2 and ZnO NPs but suggested an increase in response to sensitizers following dermal contact with SiO2 NPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2514 KiB  
Article
Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators Distinctly Modulate Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Healthy and Metabolic Syndrome Mouse Models
by Arjun Pitchai, Akshada Shinde, Jenna N. Swihart, Kiley Robison and Jonathan H. Shannahan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1642; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201642 - 13 Oct 2024
Viewed by 813
Abstract
Individuals with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to environmental inhalation exposures. Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly common and is associated with susceptibility to inhalation exposures such as particulate air pollution, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In previous studies, we determined that, compared [...] Read more.
Individuals with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to environmental inhalation exposures. Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly common and is associated with susceptibility to inhalation exposures such as particulate air pollution, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In previous studies, we determined that, compared to a healthy mouse model, a mouse model of MetS exhibited increased pulmonary inflammation 24 h after exposure to AgNPs. This exacerbated response was associated with decreases in pulmonary levels of specific specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Supplementation with specific SPMs that are known to be dysregulated in MetS may alter particulate-induced inflammatory responses and be useful in treatment strategies. Our current study hypothesized that administration of resolvin E1 (RvE1), protectin D1 (PD1), or maresin (MaR1) following AgNP exposure will differentially regulate inflammatory responses. To examine this hypothesis, healthy and MetS mouse models were exposed to either a vehicle (control) or 50 μg of 20 nm AgNPs via oropharyngeal aspiration. They were then treated 24 h post-exposure with either a vehicle (control) or 400 ng of RvE1, PD1, or MaR1 via oropharyngeal aspiration. Endpoints of pulmonary inflammation and toxicity were evaluated three days following AgNP exposure. MetS mice that were exposed to AgNPs and received PBS treatment exhibited significantly exacerbated pulmonary inflammatory responses compared to healthy mice. In mice exposed to AgNPs and treated with RvE1, neutrophil infiltration was reduced in healthy mice and the exacerbated neutrophil levels were decreased in the MetS model. This decreased neutrophilia was associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines’ gene and protein expression. Healthy mice treated with PD1 did not demonstrate alterations in AgNP-induced neutrophil levels compared to mice not receiving treat; however, exacerbated neutrophilia was reduced in the MetS model. These PD1 alterations were associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines, as well as elevated interleukin-10 (IL-10). Both mouse models receiving MaR1 treatment demonstrated reductions in AgNP-induced neutrophil influx. MaR1 treatment was associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines in both models and increases in the resolution inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both models, which were enhanced in MetS mice. Inflammatory responses to particulate exposure may be treated using specific SPMs, some of which may benefit susceptible subpopulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 8158 KiB  
Article
Repeated Injection of Very Small Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Particles (VSOPs) in Murine Atherosclerosis: A Safety Study
by Tobias Haase, Antje Ludwig, Anke Stach, Azadeh Mohtashamdolatshahi, Ralf Hauptmann, Lars Mundhenk, Harald Kratz, Susanne Metzkow, Avan Kader, Christian Freise, Susanne Mueller, Nicola Stolzenburg, Patricia Radon, Maik Liebl, Frank Wiekhorst, Bernd Hamm, Matthias Taupitz and Jörg Schnorr
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090773 - 28 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1463
Abstract
Citrate-coated electrostatically stabilized very small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (VSOPs) have been successfully tested as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) contrast agents and are promising tools for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. Their repeated use in the background of pre-existing hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis has not [...] Read more.
Citrate-coated electrostatically stabilized very small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (VSOPs) have been successfully tested as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) contrast agents and are promising tools for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. Their repeated use in the background of pre-existing hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis has not yet been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multiple intravenous injections of VSOPs in atherosclerotic mice. Taurine-formulated VSOPs (VSOP-T) were repeatedly intravenously injected at 100 µmol Fe/kg in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE KO) mice with diet-induced atherosclerosis. Angiographic imaging was carried out by in vivo MRI. Magnetic particle spectrometry was used to detect tissue VSOP content, and tissue iron content was quantified photometrically. Pathological changes in organs, atherosclerotic plaque development, and expression of hepatic iron-related proteins were evaluated. VSOP-T enabled the angiographic imaging of heart and blood vessels with a blood half-life of one hour. Repeated intravenous injection led to VSOP deposition and iron accumulation in the liver and spleen without affecting liver and spleen pathology, expression of hepatic iron metabolism proteins, serum lipids, or atherosclerotic lesion formation. Repeated injections of VSOP-T doses sufficient for MRA analyses had no significant effects on plaque burden, steatohepatitis, and iron homeostasis in atherosclerotic mice. These findings underscore the safety of VSOP-T and support its further development as a contrast agent and molecular imaging tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11621 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Assessment of Hepatic and Kidney Toxicity Induced by Silicon Quantum Dots in Mice
by Roxana-Elena Cristian, Cornel Balta, Hildegard Herman, Bogdan Trica, Beatrice G. Sbarcea, Anca Hermenean, Anca Dinischiotu and Miruna S. Stan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(5), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14050457 - 1 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1813
Abstract
In the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms [...] Read more.
In the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, a mandatory step before their administration to human subjects. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatic and renal acute toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation. The nanoparticles were administrated at different doses (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg of QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanatized, and liver and kidney tissues were used in further toxicity tests. The time- and dose-dependent effects of SiQDs on the antioxidant defense system of mice liver and kidney were investigated by quantifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) in correlation with the morphological changes and inflammatory status in the liver and kidneys. The results showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes, except for superoxide dismutase, in which no significant changes were registered compared with the control. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α was significant at doses over 10 mg of QDs/kg of body weight and were still evident at 72 h after administration. Our results showed that doses under 10 mg of SiQDs/kg of b.w. did not induce hepatic and renal toxicity, providing useful information for further clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5937 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Cardiovascular System in Animal Models and Skeletal Muscle Cells
by Milena Keremidarska-Markova, Iliyana Sazdova, Bilyana Ilieva, Milena Mishonova, Milena Shkodrova, Kamelia Hristova-Panusheva, Natalia Krasteva and Mariela Chichova
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020188 - 13 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1715
Abstract
The growing interest in graphene oxide (GO) for different biomedical applications requires thoroughly examining its safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable data on how GO nanoparticles affect healthy cells and organs. In the current work, we adopted a comprehensive approach [...] Read more.
The growing interest in graphene oxide (GO) for different biomedical applications requires thoroughly examining its safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable data on how GO nanoparticles affect healthy cells and organs. In the current work, we adopted a comprehensive approach to assess the influence of GO and its polyethylene glycol-modified form (GO-PEG) under near-infrared (NIR) exposure on several biological aspects. We evaluated the contractility of isolated frog hearts, the activity of two rat liver enzymes–mitochondrial ATPase and diamine oxidase (DAO), and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells following direct exposure to GO nanoparticles. The aim was to study the influence of GO nanoparticles at multiple levels—organ; cellular; and subcellular—to provide a broader understanding of their effects. Our data demonstrated that GO and GO-PEG negatively affect heart contractility in frogs, inducing stronger arrhythmic contractions. They increased ROS production in C2C12 myoblasts, whose effects diminished after NIR irradiation. Both nanoparticles in the rat liver significantly stimulated DAO activity, with amplification of this effect after NIR irradiation. GO did not uncouple intact rat liver mitochondria but caused a concentration-dependent decline in ATPase activity in freeze/thaw mitochondria. This multifaceted investigation provides crucial insights into GOs potential for diverse implications in biological systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanotoxicology: Health and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop