Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Nanoparticles: toxicity, radicals, electron transfer, and antioxidants
Peter Kovacic1, Ratnasamy Somanathan
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years, nanoparticles have received increasing attention in research and technology, including a variety of practical applications. The bioactivity appears to be related to the small particle size, in addition to inherent chemical activity as electron transfer (ET) agents, generators of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with subsequent oxidative stress (OS), and as antioxidants (AOs). The mechanism of toxicity, therapeutic action, and AO property is addressed based on the ET-ROS-OS approach. There are several main classes of ET functionalities, namely, quinones (or phenolic precursors), metal compounds, aromatic nitro compounds (or reduction products), and imine or iminium species. Most of the nanospecies fall within the metal category. Cell signaling is also discussed. This review discusses recent developments based on ET-ROS-OS-AO framework.
Related Concept Videos
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
Radical Autoxidation
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Radical Reactivity: Steric Effects
Along with electronic factors, steric factors also account...

