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Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition)
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Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 4 July 2025 | Viewed by 8278

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ioana Bâldea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: in vitro cell cultures; citotoxicity; natural and synthetic compounds; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of a previously successful Special Issue, entitled, “Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms” and is hosted by the same Guest Editor.

The present Issue welcomes authors and potential contributors to submit original articles or review papers dedicated to recent fundamental and applicative research into the biocompatibility testing of nanomaterials. We are particularly interested in efforts to investigate the impact of nanoparticles on different biological experimental settings in vitro and in vivo, including toxicity aspects; the possibility of the modulation of toxicity through “green synthesis”; or the design of complex nanoplatforms suitable for biomedical applications.

This Special Issue will cover topics that include, but are not limited to: development of biologically active nanostructured compounds from natural or synthetic sources, green synthesis, metallic nanoparticles, nano-alloys, graphene, nanotubes, composite nanomaterials, cytotoxicity, systemic toxicity, the role of nanoparticles in biological processes, nanoplatforms in theranostic approaches, and applications of nanomaterials in medicine. 

Dr. Ioana Bâldea
Guest Editor

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 2400 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

  • nanoparticles
  • systemic toxicity
  • cytotoxicity
  • biomedical application of nanomaterials
  • theranostics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 9508 KiB  
Article
Responses of Tomato Photosystem II Photochemistry to Pegylated Zinc-Doped Ferrite Nanoparticles
by Ilektra Sperdouli, Kleoniki Giannousi, Julietta Moustaka, Orestis Antonoglou, Catherine Dendrinou-Samara and Michael Moustakas
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040288 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
Various metal-based nanomaterials have been the focus of research regarding their use in controlling pests and diseases and in improving crop yield and quality. In this study, we synthesized via a solvothermal procedure pegylated zinc-doped ferrite (ZnFer) NPs and characterized their physicochemical properties [...] Read more.
Various metal-based nanomaterials have been the focus of research regarding their use in controlling pests and diseases and in improving crop yield and quality. In this study, we synthesized via a solvothermal procedure pegylated zinc-doped ferrite (ZnFer) NPs and characterized their physicochemical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, their impact on tomato photosynthetic efficiency was evaluated by using chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging analysis to estimate the light energy use efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), 30, 60, and 180 min after foliar spray of tomato plants with distilled water (control plants) or 15 mg L−1 and 30 mg L−1 ZnFer NPs. The PSII responses of tomato leaves to foliar spray with ZnFer NPs showed time- and dose-dependent biphasic hormetic responses, characterized by a short-time inhibitory effect by the low dose and stimulatory effect by the high dose, while at a longer exposure period, the reverse phenomenon was recorded by the low and high doses. An inhibitory effect on PSII function was observed after more than ~120 min exposure to both ZnFer NPs concentrations, implying a negative effect on PSII photochemistry. We may conclude that the synthesized ZnFer NPs, despite their ability to induce hormesis of PSII photochemistry, have a negative impact on photosynthetic function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 10213 KiB  
Article
Counteractive Effects of Copper Nanoparticles and Betacellulin on Ovarian Cells
by Alexander V. Sirotkin, Paula Romero-Navarro, Barbora Loncová, Zuzana Fabová, Michaela Bartušová, Abdel Halim Harrath and Francisco Alonso
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231965 - 7 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1186
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are known to affect many ovarian cell functions. CuNPs, prepared using a chemical reduction method, were fully characterized by different means (TEM, DLS, XRD, Z potential, XPS, and AES). The resulting colloidal suspension contained needle-like CuNPs aggregates made of a [...] Read more.
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are known to affect many ovarian cell functions. CuNPs, prepared using a chemical reduction method, were fully characterized by different means (TEM, DLS, XRD, Z potential, XPS, and AES). The resulting colloidal suspension contained needle-like CuNPs aggregates made of a core of metallic copper and an oxidized surface of Cu2O and CuO. The separate and coupled effects of CuNPs and the growth factor betacellulin (BTC) were analyzed on the control of some basic functions of ovarian cells. With this purpose, porcine ovarian granulosa cells, together with CuNPs, BTC, and both (CuNPs + BTC), were cultured. Viability and BrDU tests, quantitative immunocytochemistry, TUNEL, and ELISA were used to evaluate markers of the S-phase (PCNA) and G-phase (cyclin B1) of the cell cycle, cell proliferation (BrDU incorporation), cytoplasmic/mitochondrial apoptosis (bax) and extrinsic (nuclear DNA fragmentation) markers, and the release of estradiol and progesterone. CuNPs were accumulated within the cells and were found to reduce all the markers of proliferation, but promoted all the markers of apoptosis and the release of steroid hormones. When added alone, BTC raised the expression of all cell viability and proliferation markers, depleted the expression of all apoptosis markers, and stimulated the release of both estradiol and progesterone. Furthermore, BTC prevented and even reversed the effect of CuNPs on all the measured parameters, whereas CuNPs mitigated BTC’s effect on all the analyzed cell functions. These results support a direct toxic effect of CuNPs and a stimulatory effect of BTC on ovarian cell functions, as well as the capability of BTC to protect against the adverse effects of CuNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 3632 KiB  
Article
Lethal and Sublethal Toxicity of Nanosilver and Carbon Nanotube Composites to Hydra vulgaris—A Toxicogenomic Approach
by Joelle Auclair, Eva Roubeau-Dumont and François Gagné
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231955 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1001
Abstract
The increasing use of nanocomposites has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts, which are less understood than those observed with individual nanomaterials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity of nanosilver carbon-walled nanotube (AgNP–CWNT) composites in Hydra vulgaris. [...] Read more.
The increasing use of nanocomposites has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts, which are less understood than those observed with individual nanomaterials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity of nanosilver carbon-walled nanotube (AgNP–CWNT) composites in Hydra vulgaris. The lethal and sublethal toxicity was determined based on the characteristic morphological changes (retraction/loss of tentacles and body disintegration) for this organism. In addition, a gene expression array was optimized for gene expression analysis for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase), regeneration and growth (serum response factor), protein synthesis, oxidized DNA repair, neural activity (dopamine decarboxylase), and the proteasome/autophagy pathways. The hydras were exposed for 96 h to increasing concentrations of single AgNPs, CWNTs, and to 10% AgNPs–90% CWNTs, and 50% AgNPs–50% CNWT composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed the presence of AgNPs attached to the carbon nanotubes and AgNP aggregates. The data revealed that the AgNP–CWNT composites were more toxic than their counterparts (AgNPs and CNWT). The sublethal morphological changes (EC50) were strongly associated with oxidative stress and protein synthesis while lethal morphological changes (LC50) encompassed changes in dopamine activity, regeneration, and proteasome/autophagic pathways. In conclusion, the toxicity of AgNP–CWNT composites presents a different pattern in gene expression, and at lower threshold concentrations than those obtained for AgNPs or CWNTs alone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 4116 KiB  
Article
Doxorubicin Incorporation into Gold Nanoparticles: An In Vivo Study of Its Effects on Cardiac Tissue in Rats
by Patricia Lorena Dulf, Camelia Alexandra Coadă, Adrian Florea, Remus Moldovan, Ioana Baldea, Daniel Vasile Dulf, Dan Blendea, Luminita David, Bianca Moldovan, Valentina Ioana Morosan, Sergiu Macavei and Gabriela Adriana Filip
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201647 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2032
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have been explored as potential vectors for enhancing the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) while minimizing its cardiotoxic effects. However, the impacts of DOX Au-NPs on cardiac function and oxidative stress remain inadequately understood. This study aimed to explore the [...] Read more.
Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have been explored as potential vectors for enhancing the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX) while minimizing its cardiotoxic effects. However, the impacts of DOX Au-NPs on cardiac function and oxidative stress remain inadequately understood. This study aimed to explore the effects of DOX Au-NPs in comparison to free DOX, focusing on oxidative stress markers, inflammation, ultrastructural changes, and cardiac function. Male rats were divided into the following four groups: control, citrate Au-NPs, DOX, and DOX Au-NPs. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography, and oxidative stress was evaluated through Nrf2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and the GSH/GSSG ratio. The ultrastructure of cardiac tissue was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rats treated with DOX Au-NPs exhibited significant cardiac dysfunction, as indicated by a reduction in fractional shortening and ejection fraction. Oxidative stress markers, including elevated MDA levels and a reduced GSH/GSSG ratio, were significantly worse in the DOX Au-NP group. SOD levels decreased, indicating compromised antioxidant defenses. Citrate Au-NPs also caused some alterations in cardiac function and ultrastructure but without other molecular alterations. DOX Au-NPs failed to mitigate cardiotoxicity, instead exacerbating oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction. DOX Au-NPs possess cardiotoxic effects, necessitating further investigation into alternative nanoparticle formulations or therapeutic combinations to ensure both efficacy and safety in cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 9684 KiB  
Article
Techniques and Instruments for Assessing and Reducing Risk of Exposure to Nanomaterials in Construction, Focusing on Fire-Resistant Insulation Panels Containing Nanoclay
by Romeo Cristian Ciobanu and Mihaela Aradoaei
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181470 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1114
Abstract
The paper explains how nano exposure is assessed in the construction field and focuses on the production of fire-resistant insulation panels with nanoclay. Utilizing the commercial ANSYS CFX® software, a preliminary theoretical simulation was conducted on nano exposure in the workplace, which [...] Read more.
The paper explains how nano exposure is assessed in the construction field and focuses on the production of fire-resistant insulation panels with nanoclay. Utilizing the commercial ANSYS CFX® software, a preliminary theoretical simulation was conducted on nano exposure in the workplace, which revealed that particle dispersion is primarily driven by diffusion. Panel post-processing through drilling results in the highest inhalation exposure, followed by mixing and grinding activities. Compared to a state of ‘no activity’, each activity resulted in an exposure increase by a factor of min. 1000. An overall assessment suggests that the use of nanoparticles in construction materials may not significantly heighten workers’ exposure to nanopowders when considering particle concentration alone as opposed to using traditional micro-scale materials. However, the issue persists when it comes to blending powders or performing finishing tasks on panels, with concentration levels being significantly higher for drilling, grinding, and mixing powders at 2.4 times above the standard reference value (40,000 particles/cm3); this is unacceptable, even for brief durations. Examination of dermal contact with gloves and masks worn by workers revealed no nanoparticle penetration. Safety measures were proposed for workers based on decision trees to enhance their safety. Ten categories of protection strategies have been devised to combat the impact of nanoparticles, which are tailored to specific technical situations, but they must be modified for various types of nanoparticles despite potential shared health implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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23 pages, 1405 KiB  
Article
Multi-Endpoint Toxicological Assessment of Chrysin Loaded Oil-in-Water Emulsion System in Different Biological Models
by Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Pisamai Ting, Pensiri Buacheen, Jirarat Karinchai, Woorawee Inthachat, Boonrat Chantong, Uthaiwan Suttisansanee, Onanong Nuchuchua and Piya Temviriyanukul
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(12), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14121001 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1528
Abstract
Chrysin is hypothesized to possess the ability to prevent different illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, chrysin has a low solubility under physiological conditions, resulting in limited bioavailability. In a previous study, we utilized an oil-in-water emulsion system (chrysin-ES or [...] Read more.
Chrysin is hypothesized to possess the ability to prevent different illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, chrysin has a low solubility under physiological conditions, resulting in limited bioavailability. In a previous study, we utilized an oil-in-water emulsion system (chrysin-ES or chrysin-NE) to encapsulate chrysin, thereby increasing its bioaccessibility and preserving its antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer’s properties. To promote the chrysin-ES as a supplementary and functional food, it was obligatory to carry out a safety assessment. Cytotoxicity testing showed that chrysin-ES was harmless, with no killing effect on 3T3-L1 (adipocytes), RAW 264.7 (macrophages), HEK293 (kidney cells), and LX-2 (hepatic stellate cells). The acute toxicity evaluation demonstrated that the 50% lethal dose (LD50) for chrysin-ES was greater than 2000 mg/kg BW. Genotoxicity assessments found that chrysin-ES did not induce DNA mutations in vitro or in vivo. Furthermore, chrysin and chrysin-ES exhibited anti-mutagenic properties against PhIP-induced and IQ-induced mutagenesis in the Ames test, while they inhibited urethane-, ethyl methanesulfonate-, mitomycin C-, and N-nitrosomethylurea-mediated mutations in Drosophila. The present study illustrates the safety and anti-genotoxicity properties of chrysin-ES, allowing for the further development of chrysin-based food supplements and nutraceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Organisms (2nd Edition))
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