Nanotoxicology and Health Effects

Dear Colleagues,

The fascinating and controversial world of nanotechnologies has undoubtedly brought numerous innovations and advantages to many fields of applied science and, consequently, to our daily life. While the widespread use of nanomaterials has aroused great interest in terms of the obvious economic and social benefits, on the other hand there is growing concern in the international arena about their potential effects on human health and the environment. The possible medium- and long-term effects on our health are, however, still unknown and the subject of in-depth scientific investigations by all research groups. As the name implies, nanoparticles have a size of nanometers. This peculiarity gives them certain characteristics: the intrinsic properties regarding optics, mechanics, magnetism, conduction and absorption can be very different from the same substances taken on a larger scale; they can cross cell membranes, being transported, in theory, everywhere, thus interacting with biological systems and accumulating in different tissues; the high ratio of surface area to volume gives the nanoparticles the ability to be reactive and catalytic, therefore potentially being very harmful for the sophisticated and highly regulated chemical reactions that take place in our body. The exact relationship between the physicochemistry of a nanoparticle, its cellular reactivity, and its biological and systemic consequences cannot be predicted. It is important to understand such relationships in order to enjoy the benefits of nanotechnology without being exposed to the hazards. In this Special Issue, attention will be paid to topics related to the impact of nanomaterials on human health, including their genotoxic, oxidative, cytotoxic, respiratory, dermal, and cardiovascular and immunological effects; their effects on the central nervous system; the application of nanoparticles; and how to determine the potential toxicological properties of nanoparticles. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Safety assessment of novel nanomaterials;
• Toxicity mechanisms of nanomaterials;
• Characterization of nano–bio interactions;
• Systemic transport of the nanomaterial to the target site;
• Nanotheranostics;
• Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of nanomaterials;
• Nanomedicine.

Dr. Stefania Mariano
Dr. Elisa Panzarini
Guest Editors

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• health effects
• nanomaterials
• nanotoxicology
• nano–bio interaction
• nanotheranostics
• cancer
• cytotoxicity
• genotoxicity