Differential Distribution and Toxicity of Nanomaterials In Vivo

Opportunity for Nanotechnology: The innovative field of nanotechnology is most likely to gain societal acceptance if environmental and human health considerations are thoroughly investigated and those results are used to optimize safety and performance together to produce effective and non-toxic profitable technologies. Industrial and scientific communities must work together to integrate toxicological and safety evaluations into nanomaterial research and development schemes so that actual risks of nanomaterials are defined and adverse environmental consequences are minimized. Thus far, major research efforts and resources have focused on discovering applications of novel nanoparticles; yet little research has aimed at the health and safety consequences of nanoparticle exposure (Colvin 2003). Our current knowledge about the toxicological effects of nano-scale materials is insufficient to direct the rational development of safer, non-toxic products. Since the biological activity of nanomaterials will likely depend on inherent physicochemical properties not routinely considered in toxicity studies (e.g. particle size and size distribution, agglomeration status, interactions with environmental and biological moieties), it is important that chemical engineers work together with toxicologists to provide critical information on the potential biological and environmental impacts of the newly emerging nanotechnology industry.