ABSTRACT
Nanomaterials are being incorporated into daily household products, therefore, there are increasing concerns about the potentially harmful effects of nanoparticle-related products on human health. Although a plethora of research has been done to accurately predict the toxicity of nanomaterials and nanomaterials-incorporating products, a comprehensive knowledge of the suitable methods to assess the toxicity and potential inference posed by nanoparticles and other components in the assay has not been fully understood. From the research performed worldwide, it has been found that the common factors are limited characterization of commercial and engineered nanomaterials in the suspension media and interaction of nanomaterials with the assay components, which lead to the misinterpretation of results. Methods of toxicity evaluation are also discussed in detail and the potential ignored steps of interferences and associated limitations are highlighted. Special emphasis has been given to the sensitive assays used to examine the in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity potential of nanomaterials. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive description of the need for in-depth characterization and possible interference in many different toxicity tests used for in vitro toxicity assessment. The chapter also deliberates about the possible pitfalls and knowledge gaps related to the toxicity evaluation of nanoparticles.
