Nanomaterials: An Introduction
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5.2.1 Hazards in Nanomedicine
The nanomaterials represent a variety of biomedical applications. However, there is
some potential risks factor related to the toxic issue. For example, oxidative stress,
cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammation have been reported on in vitro and in vivo
models for testing nanoparticles. The difference in the size of nanomaterial and bulk
comes with the differences in properties and toxicity. Nanomaterials are tremendously beneficial yet can be toxic. Ag, ZnO, or CuO nanoparticles are frequently
used as bactericides [102]. Nevertheless, waste disposal in the environment can also
negatively affect non-target organisms.
5.2.2 Hazards in Medical Instrumentation
Nanomaterials are involved in medical interventions like prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases. More functional and accurate medical diagnostic equipment are
being designed for easy and safe operation. The lab-on-a-chip technology facilitates
real-time point-of-care testing, enhancing the standards of medical care. Nanomaterial based thin films on implant surfaces improve the wear and resist infection.
However, until now, these medical nanodevices are not 100% hazard free due to
manufacturing processes, not following guidelines of nanotoxicity, and operating
without the assessment of long term effects of nanotoxicity.
5.2.3 Hazards in Food Product
Nanotechnology is used to produce advanced food products and smart packaging
technology [146–148]. In this way, the possibility of direct exposure to nanomaterials
with human beings is enhanced, and different types of long-term or short-term toxicity
may occur [149–151]. Nanoparticles and diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) thin
films are used in food packaging to reduce UV exposure and prolonged shelf life.
Due to very few articles being reported in this area, further research is needed to
fully explore the potential use of these nanoparticles for food products and medical
treatments.
6 Environmental Nanopollution and Its Effect in Society
Environment conservation is a challenging task. Its vastness and complexity make
this even more difficult. As nanomaterials’ production is growing, multiple issues
concerning nanotechnology arise as environmental pollution and industrial exposure.
Nanoparticles serve as pollutants in diesel exhaust or welding fumes, presenting new
toxicological mechanisms [152, 153]. It also makes us face pollution in macro, micro,
13
5.2.1 Hazards in Nanomedicine
The nanomaterials represent a variety of biomedical applications. However, there is
some potential risks factor related to the toxic issue. For example, oxidative stress,
cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammation have been reported on in vitro and in vivo
models for testing nanoparticles. The difference in the size of nanomaterial and bulk
comes with the differences in properties and toxicity. Nanomaterials are tremendously beneficial yet can be toxic. Ag, ZnO, or CuO nanoparticles are frequently
used as bactericides [102]. Nevertheless, waste disposal in the environment can also
negatively affect non-target organisms.
5.2.2 Hazards in Medical Instrumentation
Nanomaterials are involved in medical interventions like prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases. More functional and accurate medical diagnostic equipment are
being designed for easy and safe operation. The lab-on-a-chip technology facilitates
real-time point-of-care testing, enhancing the standards of medical care. Nanomaterial based thin films on implant surfaces improve the wear and resist infection.
However, until now, these medical nanodevices are not 100% hazard free due to
manufacturing processes, not following guidelines of nanotoxicity, and operating
without the assessment of long term effects of nanotoxicity.
5.2.3 Hazards in Food Product
Nanotechnology is used to produce advanced food products and smart packaging
technology [146–148]. In this way, the possibility of direct exposure to nanomaterials
with human beings is enhanced, and different types of long-term or short-term toxicity
may occur [149–151]. Nanoparticles and diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) thin
films are used in food packaging to reduce UV exposure and prolonged shelf life.
Due to very few articles being reported in this area, further research is needed to
fully explore the potential use of these nanoparticles for food products and medical
treatments.
6 Environmental Nanopollution and Its Effect in Society
Environment conservation is a challenging task. Its vastness and complexity make
this even more difficult. As nanomaterials’ production is growing, multiple issues
concerning nanotechnology arise as environmental pollution and industrial exposure.
Nanoparticles serve as pollutants in diesel exhaust or welding fumes, presenting new
toxicological mechanisms [152, 153]. It also makes us face pollution in macro, micro,