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Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Are commercially available nanoparticles safe when applied to the skin?
Thomas A Robertson1, Washington Y Sanchez, Michael S Roberts
1Therapeutics Research Centre, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology
|February 19, 2011
Summary
The safety of nanoparticles in consumer products is reviewed. Research is ongoing to understand the risks of nanoparticle absorption through the skin due to their unique properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanoparticles are increasingly used in consumer products, leading to potential human exposure via skin contact.
- Sources include commercial products (cosmetics, health drinks) and industrial processes.
- The physical properties of nanoparticles differ significantly from microparticles, necessitating specific safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the safety of nanoparticles in consumer products.
- To document recent studies on the safety of nanomaterials in animals and humans.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on nanoparticle safety.
- Analysis of research on human and animal exposure to consumer nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- Growing commercial applications of nanoparticles increase potential for skin absorption.
- Technological advances facilitate both nanoparticle manufacturing and safety studies.
- Subcellular dimensions of nanoparticles confer unique physical properties.
Conclusions:
- Critical review of nanoparticle safety in consumer products is essential.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of nanoparticle absorption.
- Ongoing studies aim to document the safety of nanomaterials in humans and animals.
