Size-dependent study of pulmonary responses to nano-sized iron and copper oxide nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnology in various fields has resulted in a tremendous increase in the synthesis of variety of engineered nanoparticles (NPs). These applications are possible only due to the small size and large surface area of the NPs which imparts them unique properties. Inorganic oxide NPs as iron and copper oxide NPs are widely used in several biomedical and synthetic applications. The beneficial aspects of these NPs are concurrently associated with several drastic and deleterious effects as well. Size of the NPs plays a critical role in systemic clearance from the body. Initial studies have confirmed inflammatory responses in mice associated with non-biodegradable oxide NPs. The associated oxidative stress varied from mild effects to reactive oxygen species generation which can potentiate DNA damage or even induced carcinogenesis. Copper oxide NPs, in particular, induced acute toxicity and inflict neutrophil infiltration. This chapter focuses on the applicability of various in vivo techniques for studying the effect of these NPs, especially on the pulmonary system. These in vivo techniques would certainly provide a better understanding and insight into the mechanistic pathways by which these NPs interact with various organ systems in human body.