Neurotoxicity and Mechanisms of Nanomaterials

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials are extensively used in biomedicine, electronics, consumer goods, and environmental applications. Their nano‑scale size and high surface reactivity enable them to cross biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier and the olfactory pathway, raising significant concerns about unintended neurotoxicity. Accumulating evidence indicates that nanoparticles can accumulate in brain regions, trigger glial activation, disrupt synaptic plasticity, and induce neuronal death. However, the underlying cellular and organellar mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

This Special Issue will focus on the neurotoxic effects of diverse nanomaterials—such as metal‑based NPs, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and polymeric carriers—and their mechanisms of toxicity. We are particularly interested in submissions that examine cellular responses, including oxidative stress, inflammatory cascades, autophagy, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, as well as the pivotal role of mitochondria: mitochondrial membrane depolarization, reactive oxygen species burst, ATP depletion, and mitophagy. Investigations focusing on upstream signaling pathways and crosstalk between organelles are also welcome. Both in vitro and in vivo models, along with advanced imaging and omics approaches, are within the scope of this Special Issue. The ultimate goal is to provide mechanistic insights for safer nanomaterial design and reliable neurotoxicity risk assessment. We welcome original research, reviews, and short communications that deepen our knowledge of nanomaterial‑induced neurotoxicity, with special attention to cellular and mitochondrial events.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

1. Nanoneurotoxicology;
2. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress;
3. Autophagy, apoptosis, and cell death pathways;
4. Neuroinflammation and glial responses;
5. Organellar crosstalk and intercellular crosstalk;
6. Signaling pathways;
7. In vitro and in vivo neurotoxicity models;
8. Neurobehavioral and biomarker assessment;
9. Safety‑by‑design and risk evaluation;
10. NAMs and AOPs related to nanoneurotoxicity.

Prof. Dr. Fuli Zheng
Prof. Dr. Mingkuan Sun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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