Cyto-, Geno-, and Ecotoxicity of Copper Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been playing a crucial role in twenty-first century in solving various problems particularly in the field of agriculture, medicine, and electronics. Nanotechnology is a broad and interdisciplinary area of research that has been growing explosively worldwide. Due to the small size, surface tailor ability, improved solubility, and multifunctionality of nanoparticles it may open up new research avenues. Nanoparticles are being viewed as fundamental building blocks of nanotechnology. The synthesis of nanoparticles is an important component of rapidly growing research efforts in nanoscale science and engineering. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by physical method involves the mechanical grinding of bulk metals. Subsequently the resulting nanoparticles are to be stabilized by the addition of protecting agents. Whereas in case of chemical methods of synthesis copper salts use to be reduced to copper nanoparticles. Moreover, biological method of synthesis make use of biomolecules for the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. The increasing use of nanoparticles leads to the release and accumulation of these particles in soil, air, and aquatic environment. Therefore, evaluation of nanotoxicity to the ecosystem must be considered. Nanoparticles with their distinct properties require development of methods, which will assess the possible benefits to possible risks and health hazards associated with exposure to nanomaterials as they are used in manufacturing and medicine. Common methods for toxicity evaluation include MTT Assay, Neutral Red Assay, LDH Assay, Comet Assay, and ROS Assay.