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Review
. 2009 Jun 21;61(6):457-66.
doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2009.03.010. Epub 2009 Apr 20.

Effects of nanomaterial physicochemical properties on in vivo toxicity

Kristin L Aillon  1 , Yumei Xie, Nashwa El-Gendy, Cory J Berkland, M Laird Forrest
Affiliations
Review

Effects of nanomaterial physicochemical properties on in vivo toxicity

Kristin L Aillon et al. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. .

Abstract

It is well recognized that physical and chemical properties of materials can alter dramatically at nanoscopic scale, and the growing use of nanotechnologies requires careful assessment of unexpected toxicities and biological interactions. However, most in vivo toxicity concerns focus primarily on pulmonary, oral, and dermal exposures to ultrafine particles. As nanomaterials expand as therapeutics and as diagnostic tools, parenteral administration of engineered nanomaterials should also be recognized as a critical aspect for toxicity consideration. Due to the complex nature of nanomaterials, conflicting studies have led to different views of their safety. Here, the physicochemical properties of four representative nanomaterials (dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles) as it relates to their toxicity after systemic exposure is discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Major forms of in vivo nanomaterial toxicity
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic of the structures of a) dendrimers of varying generations, b) carbon nanotubes, c) a quantum dot and d) a gold nanocluster
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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