Inflammatory response of nanoparticles: Mechanisms, consequences, and strategies for mitigation

Abstract

Numerous nano-dimensioned materials have been generated as a result of several advancements in nanoscale science such as metallic nanoparticles (mNPs) which have aided in the advancement of related research. As a result, several significant nanoscale materials are being produced commercially. It is expected that in the future, products that are nanoscale, like mNPs, will be useful in daily life. Despite certain benefits, widespread use of metallic nanoparticles and nanotechnology has negative effects and puts human health at risk because of their continual accumulation in closed biological systems, along with their complex and diverse migratory and transformation pathways. Once within the human body, nanoparticles (NPs) disrupt the body's natural biological processes and trigger inflammatory responses. These NPs can also affect the immune system by activating separate pathways that either function independently or interact with one another. Cytotoxic effects, inflammatory response, genetic material damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the consequences of mNPs. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation caused by mNPs depend upon a multitude of factors that allow NPs to get inside cells and interact with biological macromolecules and cell organelles. This review focuses on how mNPs cause inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as disrupt cellular signaling pathways that support these effects. In addition, possibilities and problems to be reduced are addressed to improve future research on the creation of safer and more environmentally friendly metal-based nanoparticles for commercial acceptance and sustainable use in medicine and drug delivery.

Keywords: Human; Inflammation; Nanoparticles; ROS; Signaling cascade.