Recent topics about nano-safety science and its future

Abstract

Recently, it is concerned that nanomaterials induce undesirable biological responses (NanoTox) which is different from conventional materials attributed to their unique physicochemical properties in the world. Therefore, the movements to regulate the development and practical use of nanomaterials are accelerated in North America and Europe in corporation with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, for our enjoying the benefits of nanomateirals, it is most important not to regulate nanomaterials in the blind way but to assure the security of nanomaterials and support the development of nanomaterial industries. These are duty of our country to be advanced country, technology-oriented nation and intellectual property nation. From these viewpoints, we are engaged on not NanoTox study but Nano-Safety Science study. That is, we try to research the relationship between physicochemical properties, biodistribution, intracellular localization, kinetics and biological responses (safety) of nanomaterials for the purpose of the collection and the transmission of safety information of nanomaterials based on scientific evidence lead to a support of nanomaterials' development. In this review, we would like to introduce our Nano-safety science study using mainly amorphous silica nanoparticles. © 2013 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.