binding of tRNA to ribosomes, which are necessary for the synthesis of proteins;
and, through binding with DNA, inhibit transcription (Cui et al. 2012). ZnONPs are
highly toxic to bacteria, as they may lead to disintegration of the cell membrane and
cause oxidative stress, and as a result cause cell damage and inhibit growth (Xie et al.
2011). In vitro tests with TiO 2 NPs and fullerenes have confirmed the formation of
ROSs in microorganisms (Sayes et al. 2004). SiO 2 NPs may limit the growth and
development of bacteria and reduce bacterial adhesion, which disrupts the proliferation of bacterial cells (Lv et al. 2010; Besinis et al. 2014).
The toxicity of specific NPs has not yet been clearly determined, because it differs
widely, and it is not possible to establish a common criterion. Every NP, depending
on the type of material from which it was produced, is characterized by its own
different structure, shape, surface, physical and chemical properties, solubility, and,
as a result, cytotoxicity (Navarro et al. 2008; Kookana et al. 2014; Prasad et al.
2017). This is also why it is necessary to devote more attention to toxicological tests
on nanomaterials concerning the risk related to their accumulation and retention in
soil and their direct impact on organisms at different trophic levels, which, as a
result, may lead to the dysfunction of agrocenosis components (Rana and
Kalaichelvan 2013; Tripathi et al. 2017b). Ecotoxicological studies should pay
particular attention to the environmental consequences of nanomaterials (Cox et al.
2017; Singh et al. 2017). The results obtained will be important for further research
concerning the potential of NPs.
1.6
Conclusion
Nanotechnology may contribute to sustainable development of the bioeconomy,
environmental protection, and remediation. Many benefits have been diagnosed
(new technologies, improvements, modifications, less waste, less expenditure),
resulting from nanotechnology. However, the success of nanotechnology in practice
will depend not only on effective implementations but also on a comprehensive
assessment of the safety of the use of nanocompounds. Innovations in nanotechnology are of paramount importance in meeting contemporary global challenges –
population growth, climate change, depletion of natural resources, and sustainable
development. At the same time, nanomaterials pose a certain threat to the natural
environment and organisms, including people. It is for this reason that the envisaged
intensified application of nanomaterials will require a thorough environmental
assessment at the outset, so that it does not prove to be the cause of adverse
disturbances in ecosystems. In understanding of the nature, structure, and properties
of nanomaterials, the development of standards in the assessment of their impact on
environmental components must be put before the deployment of nanotechnology in
practice in all fields of human life and activity. The connection of nanotechnology
with such important areas as agriculture, food industry, and remediation is very
promising, but the implementation of technology in these and other fields cannot
result in further need for remediation because the applied nanotechnology has
contributed to contamination of the environment.
20
A. Gorczyca et al.
and, through binding with DNA, inhibit transcription (Cui et al. 2012). ZnONPs are
highly toxic to bacteria, as they may lead to disintegration of the cell membrane and
cause oxidative stress, and as a result cause cell damage and inhibit growth (Xie et al.
2011). In vitro tests with TiO 2 NPs and fullerenes have confirmed the formation of
ROSs in microorganisms (Sayes et al. 2004). SiO 2 NPs may limit the growth and
development of bacteria and reduce bacterial adhesion, which disrupts the proliferation of bacterial cells (Lv et al. 2010; Besinis et al. 2014).
The toxicity of specific NPs has not yet been clearly determined, because it differs
widely, and it is not possible to establish a common criterion. Every NP, depending
on the type of material from which it was produced, is characterized by its own
different structure, shape, surface, physical and chemical properties, solubility, and,
as a result, cytotoxicity (Navarro et al. 2008; Kookana et al. 2014; Prasad et al.
2017). This is also why it is necessary to devote more attention to toxicological tests
on nanomaterials concerning the risk related to their accumulation and retention in
soil and their direct impact on organisms at different trophic levels, which, as a
result, may lead to the dysfunction of agrocenosis components (Rana and
Kalaichelvan 2013; Tripathi et al. 2017b). Ecotoxicological studies should pay
particular attention to the environmental consequences of nanomaterials (Cox et al.
2017; Singh et al. 2017). The results obtained will be important for further research
concerning the potential of NPs.
1.6
Conclusion
Nanotechnology may contribute to sustainable development of the bioeconomy,
environmental protection, and remediation. Many benefits have been diagnosed
(new technologies, improvements, modifications, less waste, less expenditure),
resulting from nanotechnology. However, the success of nanotechnology in practice
will depend not only on effective implementations but also on a comprehensive
assessment of the safety of the use of nanocompounds. Innovations in nanotechnology are of paramount importance in meeting contemporary global challenges –
population growth, climate change, depletion of natural resources, and sustainable
development. At the same time, nanomaterials pose a certain threat to the natural
environment and organisms, including people. It is for this reason that the envisaged
intensified application of nanomaterials will require a thorough environmental
assessment at the outset, so that it does not prove to be the cause of adverse
disturbances in ecosystems. In understanding of the nature, structure, and properties
of nanomaterials, the development of standards in the assessment of their impact on
environmental components must be put before the deployment of nanotechnology in
practice in all fields of human life and activity. The connection of nanotechnology
with such important areas as agriculture, food industry, and remediation is very
promising, but the implementation of technology in these and other fields cannot
result in further need for remediation because the applied nanotechnology has
contributed to contamination of the environment.
20
A. Gorczyca et al.