A Review on Pulmonary Toxicity of Silver, Zinc Oxide, Copper Oxide, and Alumina Nanoparticles

Advancement in nanotechnology has rapidly led to the widespread applications of varied nanoparticles (NPs) in day-to-day life. Among them, metal and metal oxide-based NPs are significant due to their unique physicochemical properties and diversified applications. However, these properties that make them valuable can also pose unexpected, noxious threats to various organs in the human body. That is why a comprehensive consideration of NP toxicity is important for exploring their safer and effective use in varied biomedical applications. This review aims to compile current knowledge about the pulmonary toxicity of silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, and aluminum oxide-based NPs, with a focus on the physicochemical properties affecting their pulmonary toxicity and its mechanisms. However, these studies employ high doses that are somewhat less relevant to human inhalation exposures, but with an understanding of these aspects, we can better navigate the challenges and concerns posed by metal-based NPs and work toward safer biomedical applications.