Nanoparticle Toxicity: Beyond Chemical Composition—the Critical Role of Physicochemical Properties
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Toxicology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 970
Editor
Interests: nanocomposites; biopolymers; nanoparticles; functional properties; antimicrobial activity; smart/active packaging; plasma-treated water; nano/microencapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS) addresses the pressing and complex challenge of assessing the toxicity of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructures. It underscores a paradigm shift in toxicology: the biological effects of a material at the nanoscale cannot be extrapolated from data on its bulk counterpart. Consequently, there is an urgent and necessary mandate for dedicated research that specifically accounts for the unique behaviour of nanomaterials within biological systems.
The central theme of this Special Issue is that nanoparticle toxicity is a multivariate function of its physicochemical identity, which extends far beyond its core chemical composition. Key parameters demanding rigorous investigation include the following:
- Size: Nanoscale dimensions enable unprecedented biological interactions, allowing particles to cross protective barriers (e.g., blood-brain, placental), enter cells via non-classical pathways, and interact directly with cellular organelles, potentially disrupting fundamental processes.
- Shape and Aspect Ratio: Morphology critically influences cellular uptake mechanisms, biodistribution, and subsequent biological responses. For instance, high-aspect-ratio nanomaterials (e.g., certain nanotubes or nanowires) may exhibit "fiber-like" pathogenicity, mimicking the toxicological profile of asbestos.
- Surface Characteristics: Surface charge (zeta potential), chemistry, reactivity, and the presence of functional coatings or contaminants dictate protein corona formation, colloidal stability, and the primary interface with biological membranes.
- Novel Mechanisms of Action: NPs can instigate toxicity through pathways less relevant for dissolved ions or bulk materials. These include membrane disruption, catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein misfolding, lysosomal dysfunction, and inflammasome activation.
This Special Issue collates original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that delve into these complexities. It explores advanced methodologies for characterising NPs in biological media, state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo models, computational approaches (nano-QSAR), and the molecular mechanisms underpinning nanotoxicity. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of a robust, property-based framework for the safety assessment of nanomaterials, which is essential for the sustainable and responsible advancement of nanotechnology in medicine, industry, and consumer products.
Dr. Karen Khachatryan
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- nanotoxicology
- engineered nanomaterials
- physicochemical properties
- risk assessment
- reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- protein corona
- cellular uptake
- regulatory science
- safe-by-design
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