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Metal- and metal/oxide-based engineered nanoparticles and nanostructures: a review on the applications, nanotoxicological effects, and risk control strategies

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Abstract

The production and demand of nanoparticles in the manufacturing sector and personal care products, release a large number of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the atmosphere, aquatic ecosystems, and terrestrial environments. The intentional or involuntary incorporation of ENPs into the environment is carried out through different processes. The ENPs are combined with other compounds and release into the atmosphere, settling on the ground due to the water cycle or other atmospheric phenomena. In the case of aquatic ecosystems, the ENPs undergo hetero-aggregation and sedimentation, reaching different living organisms and flora, as well as groundwater. Accordingly, the high mobility of ENPs in diverse ecosystems is strongly related to physical, chemical, and biological processes. Recent studies have been focused on the toxicological effects of a wide variety of ENPs using different validated biological models. This literature review emphasizes the study of toxicological effects related to using the most common ENPs, specifically metal and metal/oxides-based nanoparticles, addressing different synthesis methodologies, applications, and toxicological evaluations. The results suggest negative impacts on biological models, such as oxidative stress, metabolic and locomotive toxicity, DNA replication dysfunction, and bioaccumulation. Finally, it was consulted the protocols for the control of risks, following the assessment and management process, as well as the classification system for technological alternatives and risk management measures of ENPs, which are useful for the transfer of technology and nanoparticles commercialization.

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Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to the Universidad de Cartagena for providing the resources to develop this work.

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Literature databases were supplied by University of Cartagena.

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Authors

Contributions

Ricardo Solano: conceptualization and design of the article, literature search and data analysis, writing-original draft preparation, and drafting of the article. David Patiño: conceptualization and design of the article, literature search and data analysis, writing-original draft preparation, and drafting of the article. Lesly Tejeda: writing (original draft preparation), drafting of the article, critical revision of the article for important intellectual content, revision to the text, and final approval of the article. Adriana Herrera: writing (original draft preparation), drafting of the article, critical revision of the article for important intellectual content, revision to the text, and final approval of the article.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adriana Herrera.

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The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

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Responsible Editor: Ludek Blaha

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Solano, R., Patiño-Ruiz, D., Tejeda-Benitez, L. et al. Metal- and metal/oxide-based engineered nanoparticles and nanostructures: a review on the applications, nanotoxicological effects, and risk control strategies. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 16962–16981 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12996-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12996-6

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