Are iron oxide nanoparticles safe? Current knowledge and future perspectives

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Valdiglesias, V (Author) Other; Fernandez Bertolez, N (Author) Other; Kilic, G (Author) Other; Costa, C (Author) Other; Costa, S (Author) Other; Sonia Fraga (Author) FMUP; Bessa, MJ (Author) Other; Pasaro, E (Author) Other; Teixeira, JP (Author) Other; Laffon, B (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology

Vol. 38

Pages: 53-63

ISSN: 0946-672X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 50 Citations

Scopus - 98 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-5DX

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.03.017

Abstract (EN): Due to their unique physicochemical properties, including superparamagnetism, iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) have a number of interesting applications, especially in the biomedical field, that make them one of the most fascinating nanomaterials. They are used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, in targeted drug delivery, and for induced hyperthermia cancer treatments. Together with these valuable uses, concerns regarding the onset of unexpected adverse health effects following exposure have been also raised. Nevertheless, despite the numerous ION purposes being explored, currently available information on their potential toxicity is still scarce and controversial data have been reported. Although ION have traditionally been considered as biocompatible - mainly on the basis of viability tests results - influence of nanoparticle surface coating, size, or dose, and of other experimental factors such as treatment time or cell type, has been demonstrated to be important for ION in vitro toxicity manifestation. In vivo studies have shown distribution of ION to different tissues and organs, including brain after passing the blood-brain barrier; nevertheless results from acute toxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and reproductive toxicity investigations in different animal models do not provide a clear overview on ION safety yet, and epidemiological studies are almost inexistent. Much work has still to be done to fully understand how these nanomaterials interact with cellular systems and what, if any, potential adverse health consequences can derive from ION exposure.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11