ABSTRACT
The field of nanotechnology that uses nanoscale products has emerged a boon for the human kind due to a number of advantages it offers. Nanomedicines are nanotechnology-based products intended for amelioration, diagnosis or therapeutics or combination thereof. However, the extensive use of nanotechnology-based products has resulted in increased chances of hazards for humans as well as the environment. Humans and other organisms frequently come in contact with a number of nanoparticles (NPs) due to the widespread use of these agents in various fields. Nanotoxicology is the branch of science that primarily deals with the toxicological impacts of NPs with an aim to ultimately reduce the negative effects of NPs. As the branch is relatively new and our knowledge is quite limited, there is a need to discuss the toxicity profiles of NPs and different mechanisms responsible for it. In addition, the lack of proper guidelines and harmony between different regulatory bodies make it difficult to address the toxicity concerns associated with NP exposure. Further, we are still struggling to develop toxicological assays compatible with the toxicity testing of NPs. In this book chapter, we have discussed different toxicity outcomes of NP exposure, their mechanisms and factors responsible for the toxicity of NPs. In addition, an emphasis has been given to the use of different omics techniques for the toxicological testing of NPs which can ultimately provide safe and efficacious use of NPs.
