nanotoxicology

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the branch of toxicology that investigates the potentially harmful biological effects of engineered nanomaterials and naturally occurring ultrafine particles on living organisms and ecosystems, recognising that the unique physicochemical properties of matter at the nanoscale — small size, large surface area, high reactivity, ability to cross biological barriers — create health and environmental hazard profiles that differ substantially from those of the same substances in bulk form; nanotoxicological research examines how nanomaterials are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by organisms — their ADME profile — and the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they may cause injury, including oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruption of mitochondrial function; the field informs regulatory frameworks for nanomaterial safety assessment and guides the design of safer nanomaterials through the principle of safe-by-design

Examples

• Nanotoxicology studies revealed that silver nanoparticles released from antibacterial textiles can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
• The nanotoxicology of inhaled titanium dioxide nanoparticles is under investigation as a potential occupational health concern.