Harmful effects of metal(loid) oxide nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanomaterials (NMs), particularly metal(loid) oxide nanoparticles (MOx NPs), are increasingly used in consumer products.
• This widespread use has led to greater human and environmental exposure, raising concerns about potential risks.
• Assessing the nanosecurity of these materials is crucial due to uncertainties surrounding their health and environmental impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the mechanisms underlying MOx NP toxicity.
• To present an overview of biological models used for nanomaterial hazard evaluation.
• To highlight recent advances in understanding yeast cell responses to MOx NPs.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature on MOx NP toxicity.
• Focus on specific toxicity mechanisms: ion release, cellular uptake, oxidative stress, and physical effects.
• Emphasis on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism in nanotoxicology.

Main Results:

• MOx NPs exhibit toxicity through various mechanisms, including ion release and oxidative stress.
• Yeast cells show distinct responses to MOx NPs, such as inhibited proliferation, cell wall damage, and genotoxicity.
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a valuable model for elucidating NP impacts on eukaryotic cells.

Conclusions:

• Understanding MOx NP toxicity mechanisms in yeast provides insights into broader eukaryotic cell responses.
• Further research is needed to address current and future trends in MOx NP toxicity and their environmental and health impacts.
• Nanosecurity assessment is essential given the growing use of NMs in consumer products.