Nano Silver-Induced Toxicity and Associated Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nano silver is a prevalent engineered nanomaterial with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
• Widespread use of nano silver in consumer products raises public health concerns.
• Existing reviews lack a comprehensive, systematic outline of nano silver's harmful effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated and comprehensive review of nano silver toxicity.
• To systematically outline the harmful effects of nano silver from organ to subcellular levels.
• To explore strategies for mitigating nano silver toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nano silver exposure, distribution, and toxicity.
• Analysis of toxic reactions at organ, cellular, and subcellular levels.
• Investigation of methods to modify nano silver toxicity, including size, surface functionalization, and composite formulations.

Main Results:

• Nano silver exposure occurs through various routes, leading to distribution within the body.
• Toxic reactions manifest across multiple biological levels, from organs to subcellular components.
• Toxicity can be modulated by altering nano silver's physical and chemical properties.

Conclusions:

• A thorough understanding of nano silver's toxicity is crucial due to its widespread application.
• Modifying nano silver characteristics offers potential for safer applications.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and guide future development in nano silver technology.