Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Safety and Toxicity Issues

Nanotoxicology deals with the new perception regarding nanotechnology i.e. risk and hazards associated with nanoscale materials. Although, nanotechnology is playing significant role in modern advancements from cell phones to medicines, yet it is necessary to consider their negative part as well that could be dangerous if not given proper attention. It is not certain that nanotechnology will essentially exert toxic effects since at present only few reports are available on their toxic effects and most of them are controversial. In this review we have summarized the advances in nanotechnology, their applications and, most importantly their safety issues that are often overlooked. However combined efforts are advocated to develop promising regulatory and ethical guidelines to control production, use and disposal of nanomaterials that will be safe to human health, environment and other living organisms.