ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the risks involved with nanoparticles based on conclusions from scientific findings and published works to date. The available literature lacks in scientific proof of toxicity of nanoparticles, emphasizing the need for risk assessment of nanoparticles before their application in different sectors. The surface of nanoparticles contains more atoms owing to a higher surface to volume ratio than in corresponding microparticles. Nanoparticles also exhibit toxic effects against mammalian cells, and these effects were assessed on rat liver cells for mitochondrial function, cell line morphology, permeability of plasma membrane, and apoptosis in the presence of numerous metal oxide nanoparticles. The cell membrane is composed of phospholipid bilayers that are responsible for partitioning various intracellular compartments, each of which executes a particular function. Toxicity evaluation of nanoparticles is a positive way to advance the application of engineered nanoparticles, apart from providing safety guidelines.
