The noxious nanoparticles

Abstract

With the advent of nanotechnology and the phenomenal escalation in the industrial and commercial applications of nanoparticles, their exposure to the human population has also increased. This calls for a need to meticulously study their intracellular as well as immunological effects, which have been covered under the umbrella of nanotoxicity. This chapter addresses the sources and routes of nanoparticle exposure, followed by the in vivo translocation and their elimination. We have also discussed the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles modulating nanotoxicity and their intracellular biomolecular interactions. A major stress is laid on nanoparticle- mediated oxidative stress, the role of NF-κB signalling, receptor-mediated nanotoxicity and the complement system- mediated immune response. The role of complement system as clearance mechanism has also been briefly discussed.