Evaluation of the in vivo preclinical toxicity of targeted nanoparticles

Abstract

Drug delivery systems include nanoparticles (NPs), nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, nanoliposomes, niosomes, dendrimers, fullerene, carbon nanotubes, nanogels, polymeric micelles, and solid lipid NPs. Although the drug-based research of nanotechnology has existed for some time, nanotoxicology (the study of the toxicity of nanomaterials) has only recently been a subject of study in pharmacology. The toxicity of nanocarrier systems covers physicochemical, physiological, and molecular matters. If the NP translocates into the nucleus, direct interaction between NPs and DNA molecules or related proteins may cause physical damage to the genetic material. NPs can affect the fetus in different ways: First, via the direct effect of particle translocation through the placenta and second, the indirect effect of inducing placental dysfunction or activating inflammation or oxidative stress in the mother. Acute toxic class method provides information about risk assessment for short-term exposure to a test chemical through inhalation.