Nanomaterials and neurodegeneration

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nanotechnology applications raise concerns about potential adverse health effects of nanosized materials.
• Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes are increasingly used across various settings.
• The central nervous system (CNS) is a potential target for nanomaterial-induced toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review in vitro and in vivo evidence of central nervous system adverse effects from specific metal oxide NPs and carbon nanotubes.
• To explore the potential of nanomaterials (NMs) as theranostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
• To highlight the importance of assessing the risk-benefit ratio of NM applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
• Focus on titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, copper oxide, iron NPs, and carbon nanotubes.
• Analysis of NM properties like surface chemistry and shape in relation to neurotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Nanosized materials can penetrate the brain and induce damage, including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• NM surface chemistry and shape influence their localization and neurotoxic effects.
• These adverse effects are implicated in the onset and progression of neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

• Engineered NMs show promise as theranostic agents for early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
• NMs can be engineered as vehicles to cross the blood-brain barrier for targeted delivery.
• A thorough risk-benefit assessment is crucial for the safe application of nanosized materials in medicine and industry.