ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology is an emerging science of precise manipulation of atomic or molecular structures of materials at the nanometer level with unique properties and applications (Miyazaki and Islam 2007; Bakand et al. 2012). Over the past few years, there has been an increasing toxicological concern regarding the safety of the developed nanosystems. Assuming biocompatibility and biodegradability of most of the materials, the toxicity issues caused by them when formulated into nanoparticles (NPs) are usually neglected by the scientic community. Only a few studies approach the
20.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 541 20.2 Factors Affecting Toxicity of Nanocarriers .................................................. 543
20.2.1 Particle Morphology ......................................................................... 543 20.2.2 Route of Exposure ............................................................................ 545 20.2.3 Polymer Characteristics .................................................................... 547 20.2.4 Types of Nanocarriers....................................................................... 550
20.2.4.1 Dendrimers ........................................................................ 550 20.2.4.2 Lipid-Based Nanostructures .............................................. 551 20.2.4.3 Carbon Nanotubes ............................................................. 552 20.2.4.4 Metal NPs .......................................................................... 553
20.3 Experimental Nanotoxicity on Different Physiological Systems ................. 554 20.3.1 Circulatory System ........................................................................... 554 20.3.2 Bone Marrow .................................................................................... 556 20.3.3 Reproductive Systems ....................................................................... 557 20.3.4 Gastrointestinal Tract ....................................................................... 557 20.3.5 Urinary Nanotoxicity ........................................................................ 558 20.3.6 Central Nervous System ................................................................... 559 20.3.7 Hepatotoxicity ...................................................................................560
