Target

Nanoparticle

Major outcomes

References

Brain

 

 

 

 

Silver NP

Time- and dose-dependent increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine release and correlating increases in permeability and cytotoxicity of cells.

[65]

 

Silver NP

Dose-dependent accumulation of NP was observed in the brain and other organs suggesting systemic distribution after oral administration. ALP and cholesterol increased significantly in high-dose group (1000 mg/kg/day) indicating hepatotoxicity.

[66]

 

Silver NP

Neurobehavioural abnormalities were observed in adult zebrafish with increased DA and 5HT turnover in previously exposed embryos secondary to altered synaptic functioning.

[67]

 

U (SPION)

Direct inoculation of all 3 SPION agents resulted in the uptake into the CNS parenchyma. No pathological changes were detected.

[68]

Liver

Gold NP

Naked NP: severe adverse effects with resultant death with particles ranging from 8 to 37 nm in diameter. Microscopically, Kupffer cell activation in the liver and lung parenchymal destruction was observed. Surface modified NP: elicited increased host immune response and improved cytocompatibility.

[69]

 

Gold NP

NPs were found to accumulate in liver and spleen. Significant upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, 6, 10 and TNF-α) with subsequent apoptosis of hepatocytes at highest concentrations (4.26 mg/kg). No significant changes in the liver at lower doses.

[70]

 

Silver NP

Oxidative stress-mediated toxicity due to free Ag+liberation. Induction of pro-apoptotic signals in liver tissues.

[71]

 

Silver NP

NP enter cells which results in the production of mediators of oxidative-stress. However, protective mechanisms could be observed which increase GSH production to avoid oxidative damage.

[72]

 

Silica NP

Significant hepatotoxicity (degenerative necrosis of hepatocytes) was observed with smaller NP (<100 nm) whereas no pathological changes were seen with larger particles (300 or 1000 nm), even at relatively higher concentrations of NP (100 mg/kg).

[73]

Dermal

Silver NP

Reversible hepatotoxicity and argyria-like discoloration of treated area of skin, elevated plasma and urine silver concentrations and increased liver enzymes.

[74]

 

Titanium Dioxide NP

Cytotoxicity was observed affecting cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation and mobility resulting in apoptosis.

[75]

 

Silica NP

Size-related toxicity with faster cellular uptake of smaller particles and concomitant higher toxicity.

[76]

 

Silica NP

Reduced Cell Viability

[77]

 

Gold NP

Maximum cytotoxicity with smaller NP (1.4 nm) characterized by apoptosis and necrosis.

[78]

 

Gold NP

Dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation.

[79]

Lung

PLGA-Chitosan NP

Non-toxic even at highest concentrations.

[80]

 

SWCNP

Low acute cytotoxicity was further reduced by dispersion of SWCNTs in serum.

[81]

 

MWCNP

Uniform particle uptake by pulmonary macrophages. No inflammatory or fibrotic changes were observed.

[82]

 

Silica NP

Dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability: up to 50% reduction at highest dosage after 72 h. Oxidative stress indicated as mechanism of cytotoxicity.

[83]

 

Silica NP

Dose dependent Increase in Cytotoxicity

[84]

 

Silver NP

Dose- and time-dependent increase in blood Ag nanoparticle concentration was observed along with correlating increases in alveolar inflammation and small granulomatous lesions.

[85]

Table 1: Summary of nanoparticle toxicity.