Understanding the Toxicity of Metal-Based Nanomaterials: Current Insights, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the nanotoxicological impact of metal-based nanomaterials intended for biomedical applications. The extensive application of nanotechnology in the biomedical field has driven a surge in the development of nanomaterials, particularly those derived from metal sources. However, the numerous formulations, experimental conditions, and physicochemical and biological parameters have raised legitimate concerns about the safety and toxicity of these nanomaterials. To complicate matters, the interaction of nanoparticles with biological environments alters their physicochemical properties, including size, surface charge, and colloidal stability, where the exposure pathway is significant. Consequently, the nanotoxicological profile of the nanomaterial also changes. This review concisely presents the primary nanotoxicology mechanisms and findings in the literature. Additionally, it offers an overview of the current state of nanotoxicology for metal-based nanomaterials and provides brief recommendations for its evaluation.